Sensor and device for lifetime imaging and detection applications

ABSTRACT

A method of luminance lifetime imaging includes receiving incident photons at an integrated photodetector from luminescent molecules. The incident photons being received through one or more optical components of a point-of-care device. The method also includes detecting arrival times of the incident photons using the integrated photodetector. A method of analyzing blood glucose includes detecting luminance lifetime characteristics of tissue using, at least in part, an integrated circuit that detects arrival times of incident photons from the tissue. The method also includes analyzing blood glucose based upon the luminance lifetime characteristics.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation claiming the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/435,432, filed Feb. 17, 2017, and entit1ed “SENSOR AND DEVICE FOR LIFETIME IMAGING AND DETECTION APPLICATIONS”, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/296,546, filed Feb. 17, 2016, and entit1ed “SENSOR AND DEVICE FOR LIFETIME IMAGING AND DETECTION APPLICATIONS,” each application of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Photodetectors are used to detect light in a variety of applications. Integrated photodetectors have been developed that produce an electrical signal indicative of the intensity of incident light. Integrated photodetectors for imaging applications include an array of pixels to detect the intensity of light received from across a scene. Examples of integrated photodetectors include charge coupled devices (CCDs) and Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments relate to method of luminance lifetime imaging. The method includes receiving incident photons at an integrated photodetector from luminescent molecules. The incident photons are received through one or more optical components of a point-of-care device. The method also includes detecting arrival times of the incident photons using the integrated photodetector.

The method may further comprise discriminating luminance lifetime characteristics of the luminescent molecules based on the arrival times.

The method may further comprise producing an image using the luminance lifetime characteristics.

The image may indicate a presence of diseased tissue based upon the luminance lifetime characteristics.

The image may indicate a presence of melanoma, a tumor, a bacterial infection, or a viral infection

The incident photons may be received from tissue.

The tissue may comprise skin.

The method may further comprise illuminating the tissue to excite the luminescent molecules.

Some embodiments relate to a method that includes detecting luminance lifetime characteristics of tissue using, at least in part, an integrated circuit that detects arrival times of incident photons from the tissue. The method also includes analyzing blood glucose based upon the luminance lifetime characteristics.

The analyzing may comprise determining a blood glucose concentration.

Some embodiments relate to a point-of-care device including one or more optical components, an integrated photodetector configured to receive, through the one or more optical components, incident photons from luminescent molecules, and a processor configured to detect arrival times of the received incident photons at the integrated photodetector, to perform luminance lifetime imaging.

The processor may be further configured to discriminate luminance lifetime characteristics of the luminescent molecules based on the arrival times.

The processor may be configured to produce an image using the luminance lifetime characteristics.

The image may indicate a presence of diseased tissue based upon the luminance lifetime characteristics.

The image may indicate a presence of melanoma, a tumor, a bacterial infection, or a viral infection.

The incident photons may be received from tissue.

The tissue may comprise skin.

The point-of-care device may further comprise an excitation light source configured to illuminate the tissue to excite the luminescent molecules.

Some embodiments relate to a point-of-care device including one or more optical components, an integrated photodetector configured to receive, through the one or more optical components, incident photons from luminescent molecules, and a processor configured to detect luminance lifetime characteristics of tissue by, at least in part, detecting arrival times of incident photons from the tissue. The processor may be further configured to analyze blood glucose based upon the luminance lifetime characteristics.

The processor may be further configured to determine a blood glucose concentration.

The foregoing summary is provided by way of illustration and is not intended to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like reference character. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, with emphasis instead being placed on illustrating various aspects of the techniques described herein.

FIG. 1A plots the probability of a photon being emitted as a function of time for two molecules with different lifetimes.

FIG. 1B shows example intensity profiles over time for an example excitation pulse (dotted line) and example fluorescence emission (solid line).

FIG. 2A shows a diagram of a pixel of an integrated photodetector, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2B illustrates capturing a charge carrier at a different point in time and space than in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A shows a charge carrier confinement region of a pixel, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3B shows the pixel of FIG. 3A with a plurality of electrodes Vb0-Vbn, b0-bm, st1, st2, and tx0-tx3 overlying the charge carrier confinement region of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C shows an embodiment in which the photon absorption/carrier generation region includes a PN junction.

FIG. 3D shows a top view of a pixel as in FIG. 3C, with the addition of doping characteristics.

FIG. 3E shows a top view of a pixel as in FIG. 3C, including the carrier travel/capture area.

FIG. 3F shows an array of pixels as in FIG. 3E. FIG. 3F indicates regions of diffusion, polysilicon, contact and metal 1.

FIG. 3G shows the pixel array of FIG. 3F and also indicates regions of diffusion, polysilicon, contact, metal 1, N-implant, P-implant, and P-epi.

FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram of the pixel of FIG. 3B. The charge carrier confinement area is shown in heavy dark lines.

FIG. 5A illustrates a potential gradient that may be established in the charge carrier confinement area in the photon absorption/carrier generation area and the carrier travel/capture area along the line A-A′ of FIG. 3B.

FIG. 5B shows that after a period of time a potential barrier to electrons may be raised at a time t1 by decreasing the voltage of electrode b0.

FIG. 5C shows that after another time period, another potential barrier to electrons may be raised at time t2 by decreasing the voltage of electrode b2.

FIG. 5D shows that after another time period, another potential barrier to electrons may be raised at time t3 by decreasing the voltage of electrode b4.

FIG. 5E shows that after another time period, another potential barrier to electrons may be raised at time t4 by decreasing the voltage of electrode b6.

FIG. 5F shows that after another time period, another potential barrier to electrons may be raised at time t5 by decreasing the voltage of electrode bm.

FIG. 6A shows the position of a carrier once it is photogenerated.

FIG. 6B shows the position of a carrier short1y thereafter, as it travels in the downward direction in response to the established potential gradient.

FIG. 6C shows the position of the carrier as it reaches the drain.

FIG. 6D shows the position of a carrier (e.g., an electron) once it is photogenerated.

FIG. 6E shows the position of a carrier short1y thereafter, as it travels in the downward direction in response to the potential gradient.

FIG. 6F shows the position of the carrier as it reaches the potential barrier after time t1.

FIG. 6G shows that if an electron arrives between electrodes b0 and b2 between times t1 and t2, the electron will be captured between potential barrier 501 and potential barrier 502, as illustrated in FIG. 6G.

FIG. 6H shows an example in which an electron arrived between times t1 and t2, so it remains captured between potential barrier 501 and potential barrier 502.

FIG. 6I shows an example in which an electron arrived between times t1 and t2, so it remains captured between potential barrier 501 and potential barrier 502.

FIG. 6J shows an example in which an electron arrived between times t1 and t2, so it remains captured between potential barrier 501 and potential barrier 502.

FIG. 6K shows a voltage timing diagram illustrating the voltages of electrodes b0-b8, st0 and st1 over time.

FIG. 7A shows a plot of the potential for a cross section of the charge carrier confinement area along the line B-B′ of FIG. 3B.

FIG. 7B shows that after time t5 the voltage on electrodes b1, b3, b5 and b7 optionally may be decreased (not shown in FIG. 6K) to raise the position of an electron within the potential well, to facilitate transferring the electron.

FIG. 7C shows that at time t6 (FIG. 6K), the voltages on electrodes st0 and st1 may be raised.

FIG. 7D shows that at time t7, the voltage on electrode st0 may be dropped, thereby confining the captured carrier (if any) in the corresponding bin (bin2 in this example).

FIG. 7E shows a plan view illustrating an electron captured between potential barriers 503 and 504.

FIG. 7F shows a plan view illustrating the voltage of electrode st1 being raised and the carrier being transferred.

FIG. 7G shows a plan view illustrating the voltage electrode st1 being lowered and the carrier being captured in bin2.

FIG. 7H shows the characteristics of the electrodes of a charge carrier segregation structure, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8A shows a flowchart of a method that includes performing a plurality of measurements, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an excitation pulse being generated at time t0, and time bins bin0-bin3.

FIG. 8C shows a plot of the number of photons/charge carriers in each time bin for a set of fluorescence lifetime measurements in which the probability of a molecule decreases exponentially over time.

FIG. 8D shows a method of operating the integrated photodetector according to some embodiments in which light is received at the integrated photodetector in response to a plurality of different trigger events.

FIG. 8E illustrates voltages of the electrodes of the charge carrier segregation structure when performing the method of FIG. 8D.

FIG. 9A shows an example of a timing diagram for sequentially reading out bins bin0-bin3 using correlated double sampling.

FIG. 9B shows a readout sequence for performing correlated double sampling that does not require measuring a reset value for each signal value, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10A illustrates an array of pixels having a plurality of columns C1 to Cn and a plurality of rows, with a selected row Ri being shown by way of illustration.

FIG. 10B shows an embodiment in which a common readout circuit may be provided for a plurality of columns.

FIG. 10C shows an embodiment with a plurality of readout circuits, fewer than the number of columns.

FIG. 10D shows a circuit diagram illustrating column readout circuitry which includes sample and hold circuitry, amplifier circuitry and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter.

FIG. 10E illustrates an embodiment of readout circuitry in which both the amplifier circuitry and the A/D converter are shared by two columns of the pixel array.

FIG. 10F shows an embodiment in which n columns of the pixel array share readout circuitry and/or an A/D converter.

FIG. 10G shows an example of amplifier circuitry that includes a plurality of amplifiers.

FIG. 10H shows a diagram of readout circuitry including amplifier circuitry having first stage amplifiers for respective columns and a second stage amplifier that is shared by the two columns.

FIG. 10I shows a diagram of readout circuitry including first-stage amplifiers, a second stage amplifier and a third stage amplifier.

FIG. 10J shows readout circuitry shared by two columns including a differential sample and hold circuit and a differential amplifier.

FIG. 10K shows a diagram of the differential sample and hold circuit and a differential amplifier when the first column is in the sample phase and the second column is in the hold phase.

FIG. 10L shows a diagram of the differential sample and hold circuit and a differential amplifier when the second column is in the sample phase and the first column is in the hold phase.

FIG. 10M shows readout circuitry shared by more than two columns including a differential sample and hold circuit and a differential amplifier.

FIG. 11 shows the timing of the time bins may be controlled adaptively between measurements based on the results of a set of measurements.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a pixel that includes four sub-pixels.

FIG. 13 shows a diagram of a chip architecture, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14A shows a diagram of an embodiment of a chip having a 64×64 array of quad pixels, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14B shows a diagram of an embodiment of a chip that includes 2×2 arrays, with each array having 256×64 octal pixels array of quad pixels, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15A shows a perspective view of charge confinement regions that may be formed in a semiconductor substrate.

FIG. 15B shows a plan view corresponding to FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16 shows the formation of electrodes over the insulating layer by forming a patterned polysilicon layer.

FIG. 17 shows a split-doped electrode having a p+region and an n+region.

FIG. 18 shows the formation of a metal layer (e.g., metal 1) over the patterned polysilicon layer to connect to the vias.

FIG. 19 shows the metal layer overlaid on the polysilicon layer and charge confinement regions.

FIG. 20 shows the formation of vias to contact the metal layer.

FIG. 21 shows the second metal layer as well as formation of via(s) to contact the second metal layer.

FIG. 22 shows the formation of a third metal layer.

FIG. 23 shows an example of a drive circuit for driving an electrode of the charge carrier segregation structure, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 24 shows an embodiment in which chip is affixed to a printed circuit board.

FIG. 25 illustrates enabling 32 rows in a central region of the chip and disabling 48 rows at the edges of the chip.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of an illustrative computing device.

FIG. 27A shows a block diagram illustrating an imaging device imaging a patient, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 27B shows an example of a point-of-care device for non-invasive imaging.

FIG. 27C shows an example of a point-of care device for imaging by insertion into the body or tissue.

FIG. 28 shows an image of a patient produced at least in part using luminance lifetime imaging.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart of a method of luminance lifetime imaging.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of a method of analyzing blood glucose of tissue based on luminance lifetime characteristics

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present application relate to techniques for detecting and/or characterizing a condition of a patient by imaging a region of the patient with an imaging device to obtain data that can be used to evaluate and/or diagnose the patient's condition in a non-invasive manner. By imaging an accessible region of tissue (e.g., skin) with the imaging device rather than by extracting a biological sample from a patient (e.g., biopsy), assessments of the patient may be performed in a manner that reduces the amount of time involved in obtaining results, reduces the invasiveness of a procedure, and/or facilitates the ability of clinicians to treat patients. The imaging device may have a configuration that improves the ability to perform assessments at the time of the patient's care and provide more immediate treatment to patients than other medical testing techniques that involve physically moving the patient to a remote testing location or sending a sample of a patient to a testing facility. In this manner, the imaging device may be considered a point-of-care device. In some embodiments, the imaging device may be used to monitor a condition of a patient (e.g., glucose detection for monitoring diabetes).

Applicants have appreciated that biological molecules present in a patient may provide an indication of the patient's condition. By detecting the presence and/or relative concentrations of certain biological molecules, a patient's condition can be evaluated. Some biological molecules may provide the ability to differentiate healthy from diseased or unhealthy tissue of a patient. For some biological molecules, the oxidation state of the molecule may provide an indication of the patient's condition. By detecting the relative amounts an oxidized state and a reduced state of a biological molecule in the tissue of a patient, the condition of the patient may be assessed and evaluated. Some biological molecules (e.g., NADH) may bind to other molecules (e.g., proteins) in a cell as well as have an unbound or free solution state. Assessment of a cell or tissue may include detecting a relative amount of molecules in free versus bound forms.

Certain biological molecules may provide an indication of a variety of diseases and conditions including cancer (e.g., melanoma), tumors, bacterial infection, virial infection, and diabetes. As an example, cancerous cells and tissues may be identified by detecting certain biological molecules (e.g., NAD(P)H, riboflavin, flavin). A cancerous tissue may have a higher amount of one or more of these biological molecules than a healthy tissue. By detecting an amount of one or more of these molecules, a tissue may be diagnosed as cancerous. As another example, diabetes in individuals may be assessed by detecting biological molecules indicative of glucose concentration, including hexokinase, glycogen adduct. As another example, general changes due to aging may be assessed by detecting collagen and lipofuscin.

Some biological molecules that provide an indication of a patient's condition may emit light in response to being illuminated with excitation energy and may be considered to autofluoresce. Such biological molecules may act as endogenous fluorophores for a region of a patient and provide label-free and noninvasive labeling of the region without requiring the introduction of exogenous fluorophores. Examples of such fluorescent biological molecules may include hemoglobin, collagen, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAD(P)H), retinol, riboflavin, cholecalciferol, folic acid, pyridoxine, tyrosine, dityrosine, glycation adduct, idolamine, lipofuscin, polyphenol, tryptophan, flavin, and melanin, by way of example and not limitation.

Fluorescent biological molecules may vary in the wavelength of light they emit and their response to excitation energy. Wavelengths of excitation and fluorescence for some exemplary fluorescent biological molecules are provided in the following table:

Molecule Excitation (nm) Fluorescence (nm) NAD(P)H 340 450 Collagen 270-370 305-450 Retinol — 500 Riboflavin — 550 Cholecalciferol — 380-460 Folic Acid — 450 Pyridoxine — 400 Tyrosine 270 305 Dityrosine 325 400 Excimer-like aggregate 270 360 Glycation adduct 370 450 Tryptophan 280 300-350 Falvin 380-490 520-560 Melanin 340-400 360-560

Aspects of the present application relate to detecting one or more biological molecules indicative of a condition of a cell or tissue condition by the light emitted from a region of a patient in response to illuminating the region with excitation energy. An imaging device may include one or more light sources (e.g., lasers, light-emitting diodes) and one or more photodetectors. The imaging device may include one or more optical components configured such that when the imaging device is used to image a region of a patient the light is directed to the region. The imaging device may include one or more optical components configured to receive light emitted from the region and direct the light to a photodetector of the imaging device. Data indicative of the detected light by one or more photodetectors may be used to form an image of the region.

Fluorescent biological molecules may vary in the temporal characteristics of the light they emit (e.g., their emission decay time periods, or “lifetimes”). Accordingly, biological molecules may be detected based on these temporal characteristics by a photodetector of an imaging device. In some embodiments, a temporal characteristic for a healthy tissue may be different than for an unhealthy tissue. There may be a shift in value of the temporal characteristic between a healthy tissue and an unhealthy tissue. Using data based on the temporal characteristics of emitted light from a patient's tissue may allow a clinician to detect an earlier stage of a disease in the patient than other assessment techniques. For example, some types of skin cancer can be detected at a stage before they are visible by measuring temporal characteristics of light emitted by fluorescent biological molecules of a cancerous tissue region.

FIG. 27A shows a block diagram illustrating an imaging device 2710, such as a point-of-care device, for example, that performs luminance lifetime imaging of a patient, according to some embodiments. Imaging device 2710 includes an excitation light source 2701, such as a laser, for example, that emits excitation light 2704 to a subject, such as a patient 2702. The patient (e.g., the patient's tissue) may include luminescent molecules 2703, examples of which are discussed above. In response to the excitation light 2704, the luminescent molecules 2703 may enter an excited state that causes them to emit photons 2705. The time at which the photons 2705 are emitted by the excited luminescent molecules 2703 after excitation depends on their luminescent lifetimes. The photons 2705 emitted by the luminescent molecules 2703 are received and processed by one or more optical components 2706 of the imaging device 2710. In some embodiments, the one or more optical components 2706 may include one or more lenses, mirrors, and/or any other types of optical components. After passing through the one or more optical components 2706, the photons 2705 are received and detected by an integrated photodetector 2707 which time-bins the arrival of the photons 2705. By time-binning the arrival of photons 2705, information regarding the lifetime of the luminescent molecules 2703 can be determined, which can allow detecting and/or discriminating the luminescent molecules 2703. In some embodiments, the number of photons 2705 detected may be indicative of the concentration of the luminescent molecules 2703. The information detected by the integrated photodetector 2707 may be provided to a processor 2713 for analysis and/or to produce an image using the information regarding the time of arrival of photons 2705. The processor 2713 may send image data to a display device 2714 for the display device 2714 to display the image.

FIG. 27B shows an example of a point-of-care device for non-invasive imaging. In this example, a sample 2712 (e.g., tissue of a patient) is illuminated with light from excitation light source 2701, which may be a laser, for example. The optical component(s) 2706 includes a mirror 2706 a that reflects the light from the excitation light source 2701 to an imaging system 2709, which may have additional optical component(s), such as a lens, for example, to process the excitation light. The excitation light passes through the imaging system 2709 and illuminates the sample 2712. A mechanical standoff 2711 may separate the sample 2712 from the imaging system 2709 by a suitable distance (e.g., appropriate for the focal length of the imaging system 2709). Luminescent molecules of the sample 2712 may be excited by the excitation light and emit photons that are received by the imaging system 2709 and pass through the mirror 2705 a to reach the integrated photodetector 2707. The mirror 2705 a may be dichromic, such that it reflects light at the wavelength of the excitation light emitted by the excitation light source 2701 and allows light of the wavelength emitted by the luminescent molecules to pass through the mirror 2705 a. However, this is merely by way of example, and a point-of-care device for non-invasive imaging may have any suitable optical component(s) and arrangement thereof.

FIG. 27B shows an example of a point-of-care device having a protrusion (e.g., a needle) that may be inserted into a sample 2712 (e.g., tissue of a patient or the patient's body) to perform imaging. In some embodiments, such a point-of-care device may be an endoscope. The point-of-care device may include a waveguide (e.g., an optical fiber) that carries excitation light to the sample 2712 and receives photons emitted by luminescent molecules of the sample to provide them to the optical components 2706 for detection by integrated photodetector 2707. Detection may be performed in vivo, without the need to remove a sample from a patient or send the sample to a lab for analysis.

FIG. 28 illustrates producing an image 2801 of a patient using luminance lifetime imaging. A portion 2802 of the image 2801 shows luminance lifetimes indicating a presence of diseased tissue, such as melanoma, a tumor, a bacterial infection or a viral infection, for example. The portion 2802 may be overlaid on a standard optical image of a patient, in some embodiments. The portion 2802 may indicate the luminance lifetime and/or presence of diseased tissue in any suitable way, such as using tones, colors, etc. The tones or colors may vary in intensity, color, or brightness depending on the detected lifetime, intensity of received photons, or likelihood of the presence of diseased tissue, for example. Such an image may facilitate a clinician's evaluation of a condition.

Aspects of the present application relate to an imaging device configured to detect temporal characteristics of light emitted from a region of a patient. Described herein is an integrated photodetector that can accurately measure, or “time-bin,” the timing of arrival of incident photons. The imaging device may include the integrated photodetector to measure the arrival of photons emitted by the region of tissue. In some embodiments, the integrated photodetector can measure the arrival of photons with nanosecond or picosecond resolution. Such a photodetector may find application in a variety of applications including fluorescence lifetime imaging and time-of-flight imaging, as discussed further below.

An integrated circuit having an integrated photodetector according to aspects of the present application may be designed with suitable functions for a variety of imaging applications. As described in further detail below, such an integrated photodetector can have the ability to detect light within one or more time intervals, or “time bins.” To collect information regarding the time of arrival of the light, charge carriers are generated in response to incident photons and can be segregated into respective time bins based upon their time of arrival.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart of a method of luminance lifetime imaging using such an integrated photodetector. Step 2901 includes receiving incident photons at an integrated photodetector from luminescent molecules. As discussed above, the incident photons are received through one or more optical components of a point-of-care device. Step 2902 includes detecting arrival times of the incident photons using the integrated photodetector. For example, the arrival times may be time-binned.

Although imaging techniques are described herein, the techniques described herein are not limited to imaging. In some embodiments, detection of luminance lifetime characteristics of tissue may be used to measure the concentration of a molecule in a patient's tissue. For example, such a technique may be used for non-invasive blood glucose monitoring.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of a method of analyzing blood glucose of tissue based on luminance lifetime characteristics. Step 3001 includes detecting luminance lifetime characteristics of tissue using, at least in part, an integrated circuit that detects arrival times of incident photons from the tissue. Step 3002 includes analyzing blood glucose based upon the luminance lifetime characteristics.

Fluorescent Lifetime Measurements

One type of temporal characteristic of emitted light from a fluorescent molecule is a fluorescent lifetime. Fluorescence lifetime measurements are based on exciting one or more fluorescent molecules, and measuring the time variation in the emitted luminescence. The probability of a fluorescent molecule to emit a photon after the fluorescent molecule reaches an excited state decreases exponentially over time. The rate at which the probability decreases may be characteristic of a fluorescent molecule, and may be different for different fluorescent molecules. Detecting the temporal characteristics of light emitted by fluorescent molecules may allow for identifying fluorescent molecules, discriminating fluorescent molecules with respect to one another, and/or quantifying the concentrations of fluorescent molecules.

After reaching an excited state, a fluorescent molecule may emit a photon with a certain probability at a given time. The probability of a photon being emitted from an excited fluorescent molecule may decrease over time after excitation of the fluorescent molecule. The decrease in the probability of a photon being emitted over time may be represented by an exponential decay function p(t)=ê(−t/τ), where p(t) is the probability of photon emission at a time, t, and τ is a temporal parameter of the fluorescent molecule. The temporal parameter τ indicates a time after excitation when the probability of the fluorescent molecule emitting a photon is a certain value. The temporal parameter, τ, is a property of a fluorescent molecule and may be influenced by its local chemical environment, but may be distinct from its absorption and emission spectral properties. Such a temporal parameter, τ, is referred to as the luminance lifetime, the fluorescence lifetime or simply the “lifetime” of a fluorescent molecule.

FIG. 1A plots the probability of a photon being emitted as a function of time for two fluorescent molecules with different lifetimes. The fluorescent molecule represented by probability curve B has a probability of emission that decays more quickly than the probability of emission for the fluorescent molecule represented by probability curve A. The fluorescent molecule represented by probability curve B has a shorter temporal parameter, τ, or lifetime than the fluorescent molecule represented by probability curve A. Fluorescent molecules may have fluorescence lifetimes ranging from 0.1-20 ns, in some embodiments.

Detecting lifetimes of fluorescent molecules may allow for fewer wavelengths of excitation light to be used than when the fluorescent molecules are differentiated by measurements of emission spectra. In some embodiments, sensors, filters, and/or diffractive optics may be reduced in number or eliminated when using fewer wavelengths of excitation light and/or luminescent light. In some embodiments, one or more excitation light source(s) may be used that emits light of a single wavelength or spectrum, which may reduce the cost of an imaging device. In some embodiments a quantitative analysis of the types of molecule(s) present and/or analysis of characteristics of tissue may be performed by determining a temporal parameter, a spectral parameter, an intensity parameter, or a combination of the temporal, spectral, and/or intensity parameters of the emitted luminescence from a fluorescent molecule.

A fluorescence lifetime may be determined by measuring the time profile of emitted fluorescence from a region of tissue. By illuminating the tissue with excitation energy, the fluorescent molecules may be excited into an excited state and then emit photons over time. A photodetector may detect the emitted photons and aggregate collected charge carriers in one or more time bins of the photodetector to detect light intensity values as a function of time. In a tissue, multiple types of fluorescent biological molecules with different lifetimes may be present. The emitted fluorescence from the tissue may include photons from the multiple types of fluorescent biological molecules, and the time profile of the emitted fluorescence may be representative of the different lifetimes. In this manner, a signature lifetime value may be obtained for a tissue that corresponds to the collection of fluorescent molecules present in the tissue.

In some embodiments, a time profile representative of a tissue may be determined by performing one or more measurements where the tissue is illuminated with excitation energy and then the time when a photon emits is measured. For each measurement, the excitation source may generate a pulse of excitation light directed to the region of tissue, and the time between the excitation pulse and subsequent photon event from the tissue may be determined. Since multiple fluorescent molecules may be present in a tissue, multiple photon events may occur after a single pulse of excitation light. The photon events may occur at different times after the pulse of excitation light and provide a time profile representative of the tissue. Additionally or alternatively, when an excitation pulse occurs repeatedly and periodically, the time between when a photon emission event occurs and the subsequent excitation pulse may be measured, and the measured time may be subtracted from the time interval between excitation pulses (i.e., the period of the excitation pulse waveform) to determine the time of the photon absorption event.

The number of photon events after one or more pulses of excitation light may populate a histogram representing the number of photon emission events that occur within a series of discrete time intervals or time bins. The number of time bins and/or the time interval of each bin may be set and/or adjusted to identify a particular lifetime and/or a particular set of fluorescent molecules. The number of time bins and/or the time interval of each bin may depend on the sensor used to detect the photons emitted. The number of time bins may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more, such as 16, 32, 64, or more. A curve fitting algorithm may be used to fit a curve to the recorded histogram, resulting in a function representing the probability of a photon to be emitted after excitation of the fluorescent molecule at a given time. An exponential decay function, such as p(t)=ê(−t/τ), may be used to approximately fit the histogram data. From such a curve fitting, the temporal parameter or lifetime may be determined. The determined lifetime may be compared to known lifetimes of fluorescent molecules to identify the type of fluorescent molecule present. The determined lifetime may also act as a signature lifetime value indicative of the combination of one or more types of fluorescent molecules.

A lifetime may be calculated from the intensity values at two time intervals. FIG. 1B shows example intensity profiles over time for an example excitation pulse (dotted line) and example fluorescence emission (solid line). In the example shown in FIG. 1B, the photodetector measures the intensity over at least two time bins. The photons that emit luminescence energy between times t1 and t2 are measured by the photodetector as intensity I1 and luminescence energy emitted between times t3 and t4 are measured as I2. Any suitable number of intensity values may be obtained although only two are shown in FIG. 1B. Such intensity measurements may then be used to calculate a lifetime. The time binned luminescence signal may be fit to a single exponential decay. In some embodiments, the time binned signal may be fit to multiple exponential decays, such as double or triple exponentials. A Laguerre decomposition process may be used to represent multiple exponential decays in the time binned signal. Where multiple fluorescent molecules contribute to the intensity profiles, an average fluorescence lifetime may be determined by fitting a single exponential decay to the luminescence signal.

A photodetector having a pixel array may provide the ability to image a region by detecting temporal characteristics of light received at individual pixels from different areas of the region. Individual pixels may determine lifetime values corresponding to different areas of the region. An image of the region may illustrate variation in lifetime across the region by displaying contrast in the image based on a lifetime value and/or other features of the time profile determined for each pixel. The imaging device may perform imaging of tissue based on the temporal characteristics of light received from the tissue, which may enable a physician performing a procedure (e.g., surgery) to identify an abnormal or diseased region of tissue (e.g., cancerous or pre-cancerous). In some embodiments, the imaging device may be incorporated into a medical device, such as a surgical imaging tool. In some embodiments, time-domain information regarding the light emitted by tissue in response to a light excitation pulse may be obtained to image and/or characterize the tissue. For example, imaging and/or characterization of tissue or other objects may be performed using fluorescence lifetime imaging.

In some embodiments, fluorescence lifetimes may be used for microscopy techniques to provide contrast between different types or states of samples including tissue regions of a patient. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) may be performed by exciting a sample with a light pulse, detecting the fluorescence signal as it decays to determine a lifetime, and mapping the decay time in the resulting image. In such microscopy images, the pixel values in the image may be based on the fluorescence lifetime determined for each pixel in the photodetector collecting the field of view.

In some embodiments, fluorescence lifetime measurements may be analyzed to identify a condition or state of a sample. Statistical analysis techniques including clustering may be applied to lifetime data to differentiate between unhealthy or diseased tissue and healthy tissue. In some embodiments, lifetime measurements are performed using more than one excitation energy and lifetime values obtained for the different excitation energies may be used as part of statistical analysis techniques. In some embodiments, statistical analysis is performed on individual time bin values corresponding to photon detection events for certain time intervals.

Fluorescence lifetime measurements of autofluorescence of endogenous fluorescent biological molecules may be used to detect physical and metabolic changes in the tissue. As examples, changes in tissue architecture, morphology, oxygenation, pH, vascularity, cell structure and/or cell metabolic state may be detected by measuring autofluorescence from the sample and determining a lifetime from the measured autofluorescence. Such methods may be used in clinical applications, such as screening, image-guided biopsies or surgeries, and/or endoscopy. In some embodiments, an imaging device of the present application may be incorporated into a clinical tool, such as a surgical instrument, for example, to perform fluorescence lifetime imaging. Determining fluorescence lifetimes based on measured autofluorescence provides clinical value as a label-free imaging method that allows a clinician to quickly screen tissue and detect small cancers and/or pre-cancerous lesions that are not apparent to the naked eye. Fluorescence lifetime imaging may be used for detection and delineation of malignant cells or tissue, such as tumors or cancer cells which emit luminescence having a longer fluorescence lifetime than healthy tissue. For example, fluorescence lifetime imaging may be used for detecting cancers on optically accessible tissue, such as gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, bladder, skin, eye, or tissue surface exposed during surgery.

In some embodiments, exogenous fluorescent markers may be incorporated into a region of tissue. The exogenous fluorescent markers may provide a desired level of fluorescence for detecting a condition of the tissue by measuring the fluorescence and determining a lifetime from the measured fluorescence. In some embodiments, the measured fluorescence may include autofluorescence from endogenous fluorescent biological molecules and exogenous fluorescent markers. Examples of exogenous fluorescent markers may include fluorescent molecules, fluorophores, fluorescent dyes, fluorescent stains, organic dyes, fluorescent proteins, enzymes, and/or quantum dots. Such exogenous markers may be conjugated to a probe or functional group (e.g., molecule, ion, and/or ligand) that specifically binds to a particular target or component. Attaching an exogenous tag or reporter to a probe allows identification of the target through detection of the presence of the exogenous tag or reporter. Exogenous markers attached to a probe may be provided to the region, object, or sample in order to detect the presence and/or location of a particular target component. In some embodiments, exogenous fluorescent markers that can be easily applied to a patient (e.g., topical application to skin, ingestion for gastrointestinal tract imaging) may provide a desired level of detection from fluorescence measurements. Such markers may reduce the invasiveness of incorporating an exogenous fluorescent marker into the tissue.

Fluorescence lifetime measurements may provide a quantitative measure of the conditions surrounding the fluorescent molecule. The quantitative measure of the conditions may be in addition to detection or contrast. The fluorescence lifetime for a fluorescent molecule may depend on the surrounding environment for the fluorescent molecule, such as pH or temperature, and a change in the value of the fluorescence lifetime may indicate a change in the environment surrounding the fluorescent molecule. As an example, fluorescence lifetime imaging may map changes in local environments of a sample, such as in biological tissue (e.g., a tissue section or surgical resection).

Time-Of-Flight Measurements

In some embodiments, the imaging device may be configured to measure a time profile of scattered or reflected light, including time-of-flight measurements. In such time-of-flight measurements, a light pulse may be emitted into a region or sample and scattered light may be detected by a photodetector, such as the integrated photodetector described above. The scattered or reflected light may have a distinct time profile that may indicate characteristics of the region or sample. Backscattered light by the sample may be detected and resolved by their time of flight in the sample. Such a time profile may be a temporal point spread function (TPSF). The TPSF may be considered and impulse response. The time profile may be acquired by measuring the integrated intensity over multiple time bins after the light pulse is emitted. Repetitions of light pulses and accumulating the scattered light may be performed at a certain rate to ensure that all the previous TPSF is completely extinguished before generating a subsequent light pulse. Time-resolved diffuse optical imaging methods may include spectroscopic diffuse optical tomography where the light pulse may be infrared light in order to image at a further depth in the sample. Such time-resolved diffuse optical imaging methods may be used to detect tumors in an organism or in part of an organism, such as a person's head.

The imaging device may be configured for multiple imaging modes. Imaging modes may include fluorescent lifetime imaging, time-of-flight imaging, intensity imaging, and spectroscopic imaging.

Integrated Photodetector for Time Binning Photogenerated Charge Carriers

Some embodiments relate to an integrated circuit having a photodetector that produces charge carriers in response to incident photons and which is capable of discriminating the timing at which the charge carriers are generated by the arrival of incident photons with respect to a reference time (e.g., a trigger event). In some embodiments, a charge carrier segregation structure segregates charge carriers generated at different times and directs the charge carriers into one or more charge carrier storage regions (termed “bins”) that aggregate charge carriers produced within different time periods. Each bin stores charge carriers produced within a selected time interval. Reading out the charge stored in each bin can provide information about the number of photons that arrived within each time interval. Such an integrated circuit can be used in any of a variety of applications, such as those described herein.

An example of an integrated circuit having a photodetection region and a charge carrier segregation structure will be described. In some embodiments, the integrated circuit may include an array of pixels, and each pixel may include one or more photodetection regions and one or more charge carrier segregation structures, as discussed below.

Overview of Pixel Structure and Operation

FIG. 2A shows a diagram of a pixel 100, according to some embodiments. Pixel 100 includes a photon absorption/carrier generation region 102 (also referred to as a photodetection region), a carrier travel/capture region 106, a carrier storage region 108 having one or more charge carrier storage regions, also referred to herein as “charge carrier storage bins” or simply “bins,” and readout circuitry 110 for reading out signals from the charge carrier storage bins.

The photon absorption/carrier generation region 102 may be a region of semiconductor material (e.g., silicon) that can convert incident photons into photogenerated charge carriers. The photon absorption/carrier generation region 102 may be exposed to light, and may receive incident photons. When a photon is absorbed by the photon absorption/carrier generation region 102 it may generate photogenerated charge carriers, such as an electron/hole pair. Photogenerated charge carriers are also referred to herein simply as “charge carriers.”

An electric field may be established in the photon absorption/carrier generation region 102. In some embodiments, the electric field may be “static,” as distinguished from the changing electric field in the carrier travel/capture region 106. The electric field in the photon absorption/carrier generation region 102 may include a lateral component, a vertical component, or both a lateral and a vertical component. The lateral component of the electric field may be in the downward direction of FIG. 2A, as indicated by the arrows, which induces a force on photogenerated charge carriers that drives them toward the carrier travel/capture region 106. The electric field may be formed in a variety of ways.

In some embodiments one or more electrodes may be formed over the photon absorption/carrier generation region 102. The electrodes(s) may have voltages applied thereto to establish an electric field in the photon absorption/carrier generation region 102. Such electrode(s) may be termed “photogate(s).” In some embodiments, photon absorption/carrier generation region 102 may be a region of silicon that is fully depleted of charge carriers.

In some embodiments, the electric field in the photon absorption/carrier generation region 102 may be established by a junction, such as a PN junction. The semiconductor material of the photon absorption/carrier generation region 102 may be doped to form the PN junction with an orientation and/or shape that produces an electric field that induces a force on photogenerated charge carriers that drives them toward the carrier travel/capture region 106. Producing the electric field using a junction may improve the quantum efficiency with respect to use of electrodes overlying the photon absorption/carrier generation region 102 which may prevent a portion of incident photons from reaching the photon absorption/carrier generation region 102. Using a junction may reduce dark current with respect to use of photogates. It has been appreciated that dark current may be generated by imperfections at the surface of the semiconductor substrate that may produce carriers. In some embodiments, the P terminal of the PN junction diode may be connected to a terminal that sets its voltage. Such a diode may be referred to as a “pinned” photodiode. A pinned photodiode may promote carrier recombination at the surface, due to the terminal that sets its voltage and attracts carriers, which can reduce dark current. Photogenerated charge carriers that are desired to be captured may pass underneath the recombination area at the surface. In some embodiments, the lateral electric field may be established using a graded doping concentration in the semiconductor material.

In some embodiments, an absorption/carrier generation region 102 that has a junction to produce an electric field may have one or more of the following characteristics:

1) a depleted n-type region that is tapered away from the time varying field,

2) a p-type implant surrounding the n-type region with a gap to transition the electric field laterally into the n-type region, and/or

3) a p-type surface implant that buries the n-type region and serves as a recombination region for parasitic electrons.

In some embodiments, the electric field may be established in the photon absorption/carrier generation region 102 by a combination of a junction and at least one electrode. For example, a junction and a single electrode, or two or more electrodes, may be used. In some embodiments, one or more electrodes may be positioned near carrier travel/capture region 106 to establish the potential gradient near carrier travel/capture region 106, which may be positioned relatively far from the junction.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, a photon may be captured and a charge carrier 101A (e.g., an electron) may be produced at time t1. In some embodiments, an electrical potential gradient may be established along the photon absorption/carrier generation region 102 and the carrier travel/capture region 106 that causes the charge carrier 101A to travel in the downward direction of FIG. 2A (as illustrated by the arrows shown in FIG. 2A). In response to the potential gradient, the charge carrier 101A may move from its position at time t1 to a second position at time t2, a third position at time t3, a fourth position at time t4, and a fifth position at time t5. The charge carrier 101A thus moves into the carrier travel/capture region 106 in response to the potential gradient.

The carrier travel/capture region 106 may be a semiconductor region. In some embodiments, the carrier travel/capture region 106 may be a semiconductor region of the same material as photon absorption/carrier generation region 102 (e.g., silicon) with the exception that carrier travel/capture region 106 may be shielded from incident light (e.g., by an overlying opaque material, such as a metal layer).

In some embodiments, and as discussed further below, a potential gradient may be established in the photon absorption/carrier generation region 102 and the carrier travel/capture region 106 by electrodes positioned above these regions. An example of the positioning of electrodes will be discussed with reference to FIG. 3B. However, the techniques described herein are not limited as to particular positions of electrodes used for producing an electric potential gradient. Nor are the techniques described herein limited to establishing an electric potential gradient using electrodes. In some embodiments, an electric potential gradient may be established using a spatially graded doping profile and/or a PN junction. Any suitable technique may be used for establishing an electric potential gradient that causes charge carriers to travel along the photon absorption/carrier generation region 102 and carrier travel/capture region 106.

A charge carrier segregation structure may be formed in the pixel to enable segregating charge carriers produced at different times. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the charge carrier segregation structure may be formed over the carrier travel/capture region 106. As will be described below, the charge carrier segregation structure may include one or more electrodes formed over the carrier travel/capture region 106, the voltage of which may be controlled by control circuitry to change the electric potential in the carrier travel/capture region 106.

The electric potential in the carrier travel/capture region 106 may be changed to enable capturing a charge carrier. The potential gradient may be changed by changing the voltage on one or more electrodes overlying the carrier travel/capture region 106 to produce a potential barrier that can confine a carrier within a predetermined spatial region. For example, the voltage on an electrode overlying the dashed line in the carrier travel/capture region 106 of FIG. 2A may be changed at time t5 to raise a potential barrier along the dashed line in the carrier travel/capture region 106 of FIG. 2A, thereby capturing charge carrier 101A. As shown in FIG. 2A, the carrier captured at time t5 may be transferred to a bin “bin0” of carrier storage region 108. The transfer of the carrier to the charge carrier storage bin may be performed by changing the potential in the carrier travel/capture region 106 and/or carrier storage region 108 (e.g., by changing the voltage of electrode(s) overlying these regions) to cause the carrier to travel into the charge carrier storage bin.

Changing the potential at a certain point in time within a predetermined spatial region of the carrier travel/capture region 106 may enable trapping a carrier that was generated by photon absorption that occurred within a specific time interval. By trapping photogenerated charge carriers at different times and/or locations, the times at which the charge carriers were generated by photon absorption may be discriminated. In this sense, a charge carrier may be “time binned” by trapping the charge carrier at a certain point in time and/or space after the occurrence of a trigger event. The time binning of a charge carrier within a particular bin provides information about the time at which the photogenerated charge carrier was generated by absorption of an incident photon, and thus likewise “time bins,” with respect to the trigger event, the arrival of the incident photon that produced the photogenerated charge carrier.

FIG. 2B illustrates capturing a charge carrier at a different point in time and space. As shown in FIG. 2B, the voltage on an electrode overlying the dashed line in the carrier travel/capture region 106 may be changed at time t9 to raise a potential barrier along the dashed line in the carrier travel/capture region 106 of FIG. 2B, thereby capturing carrier 101B. As shown in FIG. 2B, the carrier captured at time t9 may be transferred to a bin “bin1” of carrier storage region 108. Since charge carrier 101B is trapped at time t9, it represents a photon absorption event that occurred at a different time (i.e., time t6) than the photon absorption event (i.e., at t1) for carrier 101A, which is captured at time t5.

Performing multiple measurements and aggregating charge carriers in the charge carrier storage bins of carrier storage region 108 based on the times at which the charge carriers are captured can provide information about the times at which photons are captured in the photon absorption/carrier generation area 102. Such information can be useful in a variety of applications, as discussed above.

Detailed Example of Pixel Structure and Operation

FIG. 3A shows a charge carrier confinement region 103 of a pixel 100A, according to some embodiments. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, pixel 100A may include a photon absorption/carrier generation area 102A (also referred to as a photodetection region), a carrier travel/capture area 106A, a drain 104, a plurality of charge carrier storage bins bin0, bin1, bin2, and bin3 of a carrier storage region 108A, and a readout region 110A.

Charge carrier confinement region 103 is a region in which photogenerated charge carriers move in response to the electric potential gradient produced by a charge carrier segregation structure. Charge carriers may be generated in photon absorption/carrier generation area 102A within charge carrier confinement region 103.

Charge carrier confinement region 103 may be formed of any suitable material, such as a semiconductor material (e.g., silicon). However, the techniques described herein are not limited in this respect, as any suitable material may form charge carrier confinement region 103. In some embodiments, charge carrier confinement region 103 may be surrounded by an insulator (e.g., silicon oxide) to confine charge carriers within charge carrier confinement region 103.

The portion of charge carrier confinement region 103 in photon absorption/carrier generation area 102A may have any suitable shape. As shown in FIG. 3A, in some embodiments the portion of charge carrier confinement region 103 in photon absorption/carrier generation area 102A may have a tapered shape, such that its width gradually decreases near carrier travel/capture area 106A. Such a shape may improve the efficiency of charge handling, which may be useful particularly in cases where few photons are expected to arrive. In some embodiments the portion of charge carrier confinement region 103 in photon absorption/carrier generation area 102A may be less tapered, or may not be tapered, which can increase the dynamic range. However, the techniques described herein are not limited as to the shape of charge carrier confinement region 103 in photon absorption/carrier generation area 102A.

As shown in FIG. 3A, a first portion of charge carrier confinement region 103 in carrier travel/capture area 106A may extend from the photon absorption/carrier generation area 102A to a drain 104. Extensions of the charge carrier confinement region 103 extend to the respective charge storage bins, allowing charge carriers to be directed into the charge carrier storage bins by a charge carrier segregation structure such as that described with respect to FIG. 3B. In some embodiments, the number of extensions of the charge carrier confinement region 103 that are present may be the same as the number of charge carrier storage bins, with each extension extending to a respective charge carrier storage bin.

Readout region 110A may include a floating diffusion node fd for read out of the charge storage bins. Floating diffusion node fd may be formed by a diffusion of n-type dopants into a p-type material (e.g., a p-type substrate), for example. However, the techniques described herein are not limited as to particular dopant types or doping techniques.

FIG. 3B shows the pixel 100A of FIG. 3A with a plurality of electrodes Vb0-Vbn, b0-bm, st1, st2, and tx0-tx3 overlying the charge carrier confinement region 103 of FIG. 3A. The electrodes shown in FIG. 3B form at least a portion of a charge carrier segregation structure that can time-bin photogenerated carriers.

The electrodes shown in FIG. 3B establish an electric potential within the charge carrier confinement region 103. In some embodiments, the electrodes Vb0-Vbn, b0-bm may have a voltage applied thereto to establish a potential gradient within regions 102A and 106A such that charge carriers, e.g., electrons, travel in the downward direction of FIG. 3B toward the drain 104. Electrodes Vb0-Vbn may establish a potential gradient in the charge confinement region 103 of photon absorption/carrier generation area 102A. In some embodiments, respective electrodes Vb0-Vbn may be at constant voltages. Electrodes b0-bm may establish a potential gradient in the charge confinement region 103 of carrier travel/capture area 106A. In some embodiments, electrodes b0-bm may have their voltages set to different levels to enable trapping charge carriers and/or transferring charge carriers to one or more charge storage bins.

Electrodes st0 and st1 may have voltages that change to transfer carriers to the charge storage bins of charge carrier storage region 108A. Transfer gates tx0, tx1, tx2 and tx3 enable transfer of charge from the charge storage bins to the floating diffusion node fd. Readout circuitry 110 including reset transistor rt, amplification transistor sf and selection transistor rs is also shown.

In some embodiments, the potentials of floating diffusion node fd and each of the transfer gates tx0-tx3 may allow for overflow of charge carriers into the floating diffusion rather than into the carrier travel/capture area 106A. When charge carriers are transferred into a bin within the carrier storage region 108, the potentials of the floating diffusion node fd and the transfer gates tx0-tx3 may be sufficient1y high to allow any overflow charge carriers in the bin to flow to the floating diffusion. Such a “barrier overflow protection” technique may reduce carriers overflowing and diffusing into the carrier travel/capture area 106A and/or other areas of the pixel. In some embodiments, a barrier overflow protection technique may be used to remove any overflow charge carriers generated by an excitation pulse. By allowing overflow charge carriers to flow to the floating diffusion, these charge carriers are not captured in one or more time bins, thereby reducing the impact of the excitation pulse on the time bin signals during readout.

In some embodiments in which electrodes Vb0-Vbn and b0-bm are disposed over the photon absorption/carrier generation region 102 and/or the carrier travel/capture region 106, the electrodes Vb0-Vbn and b0-bm may be set to voltages that increase for positions progressing from the top to the bottom of FIG. 3B, thereby establishing the potential gradient that causes charge carriers to travel in the downward direction of FIG. 3B toward the drain 104. In some embodiments, the potential gradient may vary monotonically in the photon absorption/carrier generation region 102 and/or the carrier travel/capture region 106, which may enable charge carriers to travel along the potential gradient into the carrier travel/capture region 106. In some embodiments, the potential gradient may change linearly with respect to position along the line A-A′. A linear potential gradient may be established by setting electrodes to voltages that vary linearly across the vertical dimension of FIG. 3B. However, the techniques described herein are not limited to a linear potential gradient, as any suitable potential gradient may be used. In some embodiments, the electric field in the carrier travel/capture region 106 may be high enough so charge carriers move fast enough in the carrier travel/capture region 106 such that the transit time is small compared to the time over which photons may arrive. For example, in the fluorescence lifetime measurement context, the transit time of charge carriers may be made small compared to the lifetime of a fluorescent molecule or marker being measured. The transit time can be decreased by producing a sufficient1y graded electric field in the carrier travel/capture region 106.

FIG. 3C shows an embodiment in which the photon absorption/carrier generation region 102 includes a PN junction. FIG. 3C shows an outer electrode 302, which may be at a relatively low potential, thereby “pinning” the surface potential at a relatively low potential. An electrode 304 may be included to assist in producing the potential gradient for a static electric field that drives carriers toward carrier travel/capture area 106 (the lower portion of carrier travel/capture area 106 is not shown). FIG. 3C indicates regions of diffusion, polysilicon, contact and metal 1.

FIG. 3D shows a top view of a pixel as in FIG. 3C, with the addition of doping characteristics. FIG. 3D also shows the electric field sweeping carriers down to region 106 along the potential gradient established by the PN junction and the electrode 304. FIG. 3D indicates regions of diffusion, polysilicon, contact, metal 1, N-implant, P-implant, and P-epi.

FIG. 3E shows a top view of a pixel as in FIG. 3C, including the carrier travel/capture area 106.

FIG. 3F shows an array of pixels as in FIG. 3E. FIG. 3F indicates regions of diffusion, polysilicon, contact and metal 1.

FIG. 3G shows the pixel array of FIG. 3F and also indicates regions of diffusion, polysilicon, contact, metal 1, N-implant, P-implant, and P-epi.

FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram of the pixel 100A of FIG. 3B. The charge carrier confinement area 103 is shown in heavy dark lines. Also shown are the electrodes, charge carrier storage area 108 and readout circuitry 110. In this embodiment, the charge storage bins bin0, bin1, bin2, and bin3 of carrier storage region 108 are within the carrier confinement area 103 under electrode st1. As discussed above, in some embodiments a junction may be used to produce a static field in region 102 instead of or in addition to the electrodes.

Light is received from a light source 120 at photon absorption/carrier generation area 102. Light source 120 may be any type of light source, including a region or scene to be imaged, by way of example and not limitation. A light shield 121 prevents light from reaching carrier travel/capture area 106. Light shield 121 may be formed of any suitable material, such a metal layer of the integrated circuit, by way of example and not limitation.

FIG. 5A illustrates a potential gradient that may be established in the charge carrier confinement area 103 in photon absorption/carrier generation area 102 and carrier travel/capture area 106 along the line A-A′ of FIG. 3B. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, a charge carrier (e.g., an electron) may be generated by absorption of a photon within the photon absorption/carrier generation area 102. Electrodes Vb0-Vbn and b0-bm are set to voltages that increase to the right of FIG. 5A to establish the potential gradient the causes electrons to flow to the right in FIG. 5A (the downward direction of FIG. 3B). Additionally or alternatively, a PN junction may be present to establish or assist in establishing the field. In such an embodiment, carriers may flow below the surface, and FIG. 5A (and related figures) shows the potential in the region where the carriers flow. Initially, carriers may be allowed to flow through the carrier travel/capture area 106 into the drain 104, as shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C. FIG. 6A shows the position of a carrier 101 once it is photogenerated. FIG. 6B shows the position of a carrier 101 short1y thereafter, as it travels in the downward direction in response to the established potential gradient. FIG. 6C shows the position of the carrier 101 as it reaches the drain 104.

FIG. 5B shows that after a period of time a potential barrier 501 to electrons may be raised at a time t1 by decreasing the voltage of electrode b0. The potential barrier 501 may stop an electron from traveling to the right in FIG. 5B, as shown in FIG. 6D, 6E and 6F. FIG. 6D shows the position of a carrier 101 (e.g., an electron) once it is photogenerated. FIG. 6E shows the position of a carrier 101 short1y thereafter, as it travels in the downward direction in response to the potential gradient. FIG. 6F shows the position of the carrier 101 as it reaches the potential barrier 501 after time t1.

FIG. 5C shows that after another time period, another potential barrier 502 to electrons may be raised at time t2 by decreasing the voltage of electrode b2. If an electron arrives between electrodes b0 and b2 between times t1 and t2, the electron will be captured between potential barrier 501 and potential barrier 502, as illustrated in FIG. 5C and FIG. 6G.

FIG. 5D shows that after another time period, another potential barrier 503 to electrons may be raised at time t3 by decreasing the voltage of electrode b4. If an electron arrives between electrodes b2 and b4 between times t2 and t3, the electron will be trapped in a location between potential barrier 502 and potential barrier 503. In the example of FIG. 5D and 6H, an electron arrived between times t1 and t2, so it remains captured between potential barrier 501 and potential barrier 502.

FIG. 5E shows that after another time period, another potential barrier 504 to electrons may be raised at time t4 by decreasing the voltage of electrode b6. If an electron arrives between electrodes b4 and b6 between times t3 and t4, the electron will be trapped in a location between potential barrier 503 and potential barrier 504. In the example of FIG. 5E and 61, an electron arrived between times t1 and t2, so it remains captured between potential barrier 501 and potential barrier 502.

FIG. 5F shows that after another time period, another potential barrier 505 to electrons may be raised at time t5 by decreasing the voltage of electrode bm. If an electron arrives between electrodes b6 and bm between times t4 and t5, the electron will be trapped in a location between potential barrier 504 and potential barrier 505. In the example of FIGS. 5F and 6J, an electron arrived between times t1 and t2, so it remains captured between potential barrier 501 and potential barrier 502.

FIG. 6K shows a voltage timing diagram illustrating the voltages of electrodes b0-b8, st0 and st1 over time. A charge carrier moving through the carrier travel/capture area 106 during the sequence of raising potential barriers 501-505 will be captured at a location within the carrier travel/capture area 106 that depends on the time at which it arrives at the carrier travel/capture area 106, which in turn depends upon the time at which the charge carrier was generated by photon absorption in photon absorption/carrier generation area 102. The timing with which potential barriers 501-505 are raised sets the timing of the charge storage bins bin0-bin3. As shown in FIG. 6K, a carrier that arrives between times t1 and t2 will be trapped within a time interval for bin0, a carrier that arrives between times t2 and t3 will be trapped within a time interval for bin1, a carrier that arrives between times t3 and t4 will be trapped within a time interval for bin2, and a carrier that arrives between times t4 and t5 will be trapped within a time interval for bin3.

After the sequence shown in FIG. 5A-5F, a captured charge carrier may then be transferred to the appropriate charge carrier storage bin based on the location at which the charge carrier is captured within the carrier travel/capture area 106. In this embodiment, if an electron is captured under electrode b1, it is transferred to bin0. If an electron is captured under electrode b3, it is transferred to bin1. If an electron is captured under electrode b5, it is transferred to bin2. If an electron is captured under electrode b7, it is transferred to bin3. In some embodiments, transfer of any captured carrier(s) within the carrier travel/capture area 106 to their corresponding bin(s) may be performed in parallel (e.g., simultaneously). However, the techniques described herein are not limited as to transferring captured carriers to charge storage bins in parallel.

As shown in FIG. 6K, after the sequence shown in FIG. 5A-5F the voltages on electrodes st0 and st1 may be changed to transfer any captured charge carriers to the corresponding charge carrier storage bin(s). An example sequence for transferring captured charge carrier(s) will be discussed with respect to FIG. 6K and FIGS. 7A-7G.

FIG. 7A shows a plot of the potential for a cross section of the charge carrier confinement area 103 along the line B-B′ of FIG. 3B. FIG. 7A shows the potential at time t5 (FIG. 6K) in an example where an electron is captured between potential barriers 503 and 504. A plan view showing an electron captured between potential barriers 503 and 504 is shown in FIG. 7E.

FIG. 7B shows that after time t5 the voltage on electrodes b1, b3, b5 and b7 optionally may be decreased (not shown in FIG. 6K) to raise the position of an electron within the potential well, to facilitate transferring the electron.

FIG. 7C shows that at time t6 (FIG. 6K), the voltages on electrodes st0 and st1 may be raised. Changing the voltages of the electrodes in this manner may provide a potential gradient that causes a transfer a charge carrier captured in carrier travel/capture area 106 to a corresponding charge storage bin under electrode st1. A plan view showing the voltage of electrode st1 being raised and the carrier 101 being transferred is shown in FIG. 7F.

FIG. 7D shows that at time t7, the voltage on electrode st0 may be dropped, thereby confining the captured carrier (if any) in the corresponding bin (bin2 in this example). The voltage on electrode b6 may be raised at time t8 to reestablish the potential gradient in the carrier travel/capture area 106. A plan view showing the voltage electrode st1 being lowered and the carrier 101 being captured in bin2 is shown in FIG. 7G.

FIG. 7H shows the characteristics of the electrodes of a charge carrier segregation structure, according to some embodiments. FIG. 7H specifies, for each electrode, the voltage during the gradient phase, the voltage during the binning phase, the voltage during the transfer phase, the voltage during the readout phase the high, and type of voltage change. However, this is merely an example, and the techniques described herein are not limited as to the implementation details illustrated in FIG. 7H.

Example Sequence of Measurements

Repeating the process of photon absorption/carrier generation and time binning of photogenerated charge carriers may enable gathering statistical information about the times at which photons arrive at the photodetector, as discussed below.

In some embodiments, a “measurement” may include receiving a photon, capturing a charge carrier at a particular time and/or location and transferring the captured carrier to a charge storage node corresponding to a particular time period or bin. A measurement may be repeated a plurality of times to gather statistical information about the times at which photons arrive at the photodetector.

FIG. 8A shows a flowchart of a method 700 that includes performing a plurality of measurements 720, according to some embodiments. Such a method may be performed at least partially by an integrated device as described herein.

In step 702 a measurement 720 may be initiated by a trigger event. A trigger event may be an event that serves as a time reference for time binning arrival of a photon. The trigger event could be an optical pulse or an electrical pulse, for example, and could be a singular event or a repeating, periodic event. In the context of fluorescence lifetime measurement, the trigger event may be the generation of a light excitation pulse to excite a fluorophore. In the context of time-of-flight imaging, the trigger event may be a pulse of light (e.g., from a flash) emitted by an imaging device comprising the integrated photodetector. The trigger event can be any event used as a reference for timing the arrival of photons or carriers.

The generation of the light excitation pulse may produce a significant number of photons, some of which may reach the pixel 100 and may produce charge carriers in the photon absorption/carrier generation area 102. Since photogenerated carriers from the light excitation pulse are not desired to be measured, they may be allowed to flow down the electric potential to the drain 104 without being captured. Allowing photogenerated carriers produced by a light excitation pulse to flow to the drain 104 without being captured may reduce the amount of unwanted signal that otherwise may need to be prevented from arriving by complex optical components, such as a shutter or filter, which may add additional design complexity and/or cost. The timing of the raising of one or more potential barriers within the carrier travel/capture area 106 may be timed such that photogenerated carriers caused by any unwanted optical signal flow to the drain 104. Moreover, this technique may be used with any number of time bins, including embodiments with only a single time bin. For example, a pixel may include a single time bin and a drain where the timing of the potential barriers reduces signal associated with the excitation pulse while capturing the desired optical signal within the carrier travel/capture area 106.

The measurement 720 may then commence at step 704, in which photon(s) desired to be detected may be absorbed and a charge carrier may be generated in region 102. In the context of fluorescence lifetime measurement or time-of-flight imaging, step 704 may commence after the light excitation pulse is completed.

In step 706 charge carrier(s) moving through the carrier travel/capture area 106 may be captured at predetermined locations at selected times with respect to trigger event 702. In some embodiments, charge carrier(s) may be captured in one or more regions of the carrier travel/capture area 106 by raising one or more potential barriers to trap a carrier in a location that depends upon the time at which it was generated by photon absorption, as discussed above.

In step 708 captured charge carrier(s), if present, may be transferred from the location at which captured charge carrier(s) were captured to a corresponding charge storage bin, thereby “time-binning” the charge carrier.

Following step 708 the measurement 720 may be repeated n-1 times to obtain statistical information regarding the time periods at which photons tend to arrive after a trigger event 702. Time-binned charge carriers may be aggregated in the corresponding charge storage bins as the measurement 720 is repeated. Repeating the measurement 720 may enable aggregating a sufficient number of charge carriers in the charge carrier storage bins to provide statistically meaningful results. For example, in the context of fluorescence lifetime measurement, it may be expected that a photon absorption event in response to a photon received from a fluorophore may occur relatively rarely. For example, such an event may be expected to occur once in about 1,000 measurements. Accordingly, a large number of measurements 720 may need to be performed to aggregate a sufficient number of charge carriers in the charge carrier storage bins such that the results are statistically meaningful. In some embodiments, the number of measurements n of a fluorophore that may be performed for fluorescence lifetime measurement may be 500,000 or more, or 1,000,000 or more, to enable capturing and binning a sufficient number of charge carriers in each bin (i.e., tens or hundreds, or more, in some embodiments).

Once the allotted number of measurements n has been performed, the method 700 may proceed to step 710 of reading out the time bins. Reading out the time bins may include converting the amount of charge aggregated in each of the charge storage bins into corresponding voltages, as will be discussed below.

FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an excitation pulse being generated at time t0, and time bins bin0-bin3. Note that in this example the time bins for measuring photons do not begin until t1, a period of time after t0, which lets the excitation light end prior to measuring signal photons.

FIG. 8C shows a plot of the number of photons/charge carriers in each time bin for a set of fluorescence lifetime measurements in which the probability of a marker or die fluorescing decreases exponentially over time. By repeating the sequence of excitation, charge capture, and transfer into respective bins many times, and reading out the quantity of charge carriers transferred into each bin, a histogram of the number of photons registered in different bins may be produced that allows determining or approximating the lifetime of a fluorophore.

Method 700 may be performed over any suitable time period in which photons are desired to be captured. In the context of fluorescence lifetime measurement, a suitable period for performing method 700 may be 10 milliseconds, for example. In some embodiments, steps 702 to 708 may be repeated at a frequency that is the MHz range. In some embodiments, the time bins may have a resolution on the scale of picoseconds or nanoseconds.

Temporal Multiplexing of Detection in Response to Different Trigger Events

In some embodiments, measurements may be performed using a plurality of different types of trigger events. The trigger events may be multiplexed in time such that a pixel receives light in response to different types trigger events in different time periods. For example, in the context of luminance lifetime measurements, the trigger events may be excitation light pulses (e.g., laser pulses) of different wavelengths λ1 and λ2, which can excite different luminescent molecules (e.g., fluorophores). In some embodiments, fluorophores may be identified and/or discriminated from one another based on their response to different wavelengths λ1 and λ2 of excitation light. Exciting a sample with light excitation pulses of wavelengths λ1 and λ2 at different times, and analyzing the fluorescence emitted by the sample in response, can enable detecting and/or identifying fluorescent molecules based on whether fluorescence is detected in a first time period in response to excitation light of wavelength λ1, or in a second time period in response to excitation light of wavelength λ2. In addition to, or as an alternative to such temporal multiplexing, fluorescent molecules may be identified and/or discriminated based upon measuring their fluorescence lifetimes.

In some embodiments, the integrated photodetector may temporally multiplex detection of photons produced by a sample in response to light excitation pulses of different wavelengths. For example, in a first time period, light produced by a sample in response to excitation light of wavelength kl may be detected. Subsequently, in a second time period, light produced by a sample in response to excitation light of wavelength λ2 may be detected. To do so, a pixel having a plurality of time bins may use a first subset of time bins to detect arrival of photons in the first time period and a second subset of time bins to detect arrival of photons in the second time period. By examining whether light arrives at a pixel during the first time period or the second time period, it can be determined whether a fluorophore is fluorescing in response to light of wavelength λ1 or light of wavelength λ2.

In some embodiments, information regarding the arrival times of photons in response to a light excitation pulse can be used to determine and/or discriminate fluorescence lifetime. The fluorescence lifetime may be used to determine a condition of a tissue. Multiple fluorescent molecules may contribute to a fluorescent lifetime which may act as a signature of a tissue. Since the type and/or amount of fluorescent molecules may vary depending on a tissue's condition, a fluorescence lifetime signature of a tissue may be indicative of the tissue's condition. In some embodiments, an excitation pulse of light may be emitted, then a subset of the time bins of a pixel may be used to time-bin the arrival of incident photons in a time interval. One or more fluorescent lifetimes may be identified from the distribution of photons collected by the subset of time bins. The one or more fluorescent lifetimes may act as a signature of a sample irradiated by the excitation pulse of light.

In some embodiments, a first excitation pulse of a first wavelength may be emitted, then a first subset of the time bins of a pixel may be used to time-bin the arrival of incident photons in a first time interval. Then, a second excitation pulse of a second wavelength may be emitted, and a second subset of time bins of the pixel may be used to time-bin the arrival of incident photons in a second time interval. Accordingly, if photons are received in the first time interval and/or the second time interval, information about the lifetime of the fluorescent molecule that produced the photons can be obtained. Repeating the process of temporal multiplexing of light excitation pulses along with measuring information regarding fluorescence lifetimes can provide sufficient information to enable identification tissue conditions and/or characteristics.

FIG. 8D shows a method of operating the integrated photodetector according to some embodiments in which light is received at the integrated photodetector in response to a plurality of different trigger events. FIG. 8E illustrates voltages of the electrodes of the charge carrier segregation structure when performing the method of FIG. 8D.

In step 802, a measurement 820 may be initiated by a trigger event A. Trigger event A may be an event that serves as a time reference for time binning arrival of a photon. The trigger event may be an optical pulse or an electrical pulse, for example, and could be a singular event or a repeating, periodic event. In the context of fluorescence lifetime measurement, the trigger event A may be the generation of a light excitation pulse at a first wavelength to excite a first type of fluorophore.

The generation of the light excitation pulse may produce a significant number of photons, some of which may reach the pixel 100 and may produce charge carriers in the photon absorption/carrier generation area 102. Since photogenerated carriers from the light excitation pulse are not desired to be measured, they may be allowed to flow down the electric potential to the drain 104 without being captured, as discussed above. The raising of one or more potential barriers within the carrier travel/capture area 106 may be timed such that photogenerated carriers caused by any unwanted optical signal flow to the drain 104.

The measurement 820 may then proceed at step 804, in which photon(s) desired to be detected may be absorbed and a charge carrier may be generated in region 102. In the context of fluorescence lifetime measurement, step 804 may commence after the light excitation pulse is completed.

In step 806, charge carrier(s) moving through the carrier travel/capture area 106 may be captured at predetermined locations at selected times with respect to trigger event 802. In some embodiments, charge carrier(s) may be captured in one or more regions of the carrier travel/capture area 106 by raising one or more potential barriers to trap a carrier in a location that depends upon the time at which it was generated by photon absorption, as discussed above. In some embodiments, step 806 may include raising potential barriers 501, 503 and 503 in succession, thereby capturing charge (if present) corresponding to time bins bin0 and/or bin1.

In step 808, captured charge carrier(s), if present, may be transferred from the location at which they were captured to a corresponding charge storage bin, thereby “time-binning” the charge carrier. For example, any charge captured corresponding to time bins bin0 and/or bin1 may be transferred to bins bin0 and/or bin1 in step 808 using a technique shown in FIGS. 7A-7D, for example.

In step 810, a second measurement 821 may be initiated by a trigger event B. Trigger event B may be an event that serves as a time reference for time binning arrival of a photon. The trigger event may be an optical pulse or an electrical pulse, for example, and could be a singular event or a repeating, periodic event. In the context of fluorescence lifetime measurement, the trigger event B may be the generation of a light excitation pulse at a second wavelength to excite a second type of fluorophore.

The generation of the light excitation pulse may produce a significant number of photons, some of which may reach the pixel 100 and may produce charge carriers in the photon absorption/carrier generation area 102. Since photogenerated carriers from the light excitation pulse are not desired to be measured, they may be allowed to flow down the electric potential to the drain 104 without being captured, as discussed above. The raising of one or more potential barriers within the carrier travel/capture area 106 may be timed such that photogenerated carriers caused by any unwanted optical signal flow to the drain 104.

The second measurement 821 may then proceed at step 812, in which photon(s) desired to be detected may be absorbed and a charge carrier may be generated in region 102. In the context of fluorescence lifetime measurement, step 812 may commence after the second light excitation pulse is completed.

In step 814, charge carrier(s) moving through the carrier travel/capture area 106 may be captured at predetermined locations at selected times with respect to trigger event 810. In some embodiments, charge carrier(s) may be captured in one or more regions of the carrier travel/capture area 106 by raising one or more potential barriers to trap a carrier in a location that depends upon the time at which it was generated by photon absorption, as discussed above. In some embodiments, step 814 may include raising potential barriers 503, 504 and 505 in succession, thereby capturing charge (if present) corresponding to time bins bin2 and/or bin3.

In step 816, captured charge carrier(s), if present, may be transferred from the location at which they were captured to a corresponding charge storage bin, thereby “time-binning” the charge carrier. For example, any charge captured corresponding to time bins bin2 and/or bin3 may be transferred to bins bin2 and/or bin3 in step 816 using a technique shown in FIGS. 7A-7D, for example.

Although an example has been described in which a pixel has four time bins, and two bins are allocated to measuring arrival times of light produced in response to each of the respective light excitation pulses, the techniques described herein are not limited in this respect. For example, the pixel may have a larger or smaller number of bins, which may be allocated in any suitable way to measuring light in response to different excitation pulses. Further, the techniques described herein are not limited to light excitation pulses of two different wavelengths, as light excitation pulses of any number of wavelengths may be used, and multiplexed accordingly.

Following step 816, the measurements 820 and 821 may be repeated n-1 times to obtain statistical information regarding the time periods at which photons tend to arrive after a trigger event. Time-binned charge carriers may be aggregated in the corresponding charge storage bins as the measurements are repeated.

Once the allotted number of measurements n has been performed, the method 800 may proceed to step 710 of reading out the time bins. Reading out the time bins may include converting the amount of charge aggregated in each of the charge storage bins into corresponding voltages, as will be discussed below.

Example Readout Circuitry and Sequences

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, pixel 100 may include readout circuitry 110 that allows reading out the charge stored in the charge storage bin(s) of the charge carrier storage region 108. Pixel 100 may be an active pixel, such that readout circuitry 110 includes a readout amplifier, or a passive pixel in which readout circuitry 110 does not include a readout amplifier. Any suitable type of active pixel or passive pixel readout circuitry may be used.

If readout circuitry 110 includes a readout amplifier, any suitable type of amplifier may be used. Examples of suitable amplifiers include amplifiers abased on a common source configuration and amplifiers abased on a source-follower configuration. However, the techniques described herein are not limited as to any particular amplifier configuration.

If readout circuitry 110 includes a readout amplifier, the readout amplifier may take the charge accumulated in a charge storage bin (e.g., bin0, bin1, bin2 or bin3) as an input and produce a voltage representative of the charge in the charge storage bin as an output.

One example of readout circuitry 110 based on a source-follower configuration is illustrated in FIG. 4. The example of readout circuitry 110 shown in FIG. 4 is a “4T” configuration having four transistors: rt, sf, rs, and one of the transfer gates tx0-tx3. Since the three transistors rt, sf, and rs are shared among each charge storage bin, the example circuitry shown in FIG. 4 for all four bins is a “1.75T” configuration, (4 transfer gates+3 transistors)/4 bins. However, the techniques described herein are not limited to using readout circuitry 110 having a 1.75T configuration, as any other suitable type of readout configuration may be used.

Further, any suitable readout techniques may be used, including noise reduction techniques. In some embodiments, readout circuitry 110 may read out the charge carrier storage bins using correlated double sampling. Correlated double sampling is technique in which a first sample may be taken of a node at a reset voltage level which includes an undetermined amount of noise, and a second sample may be taken of a signal level at the node including the same undetermined noise. The noise can be subtracted out by subtracting the sampled reset level from the sampled signal level.

Readout circuitry 110 may perform readout of the charge storage bins sequentially or in parallel. An example of a timing diagram for sequentially reading out bins bin0-bin3 with readout circuitry 110 shown in FIG. 4 using correlated double sampling is shown in FIG. 9A. As shown in FIG. 9A, initially reset transistor rt may be turned on to set the floating diffusion node fd to a reset voltage ct. During the time period in which the voltage of the floating diffusion node is reset the transfer gates tx0-tx3 are turned off to keep the charge carriers stored in their respective bins. After the floating diffusion node fd is reset the reset voltage may be sampled by turning off transistor rt and turning on transistor rs to produce an output voltage cb. The reset voltage represented by output voltage cb may be stored in an analog format (e.g., on a capacitor) or in a digital format (e.g., by A/D conversion and storage). Then, transfer gate tx0 may be turned on to allow the charge from bin( )to flow to the floating diffusion fd. The signal voltage may be sampled by turning on transistor rs to produce an output voltage cb based on the charge stored in bin0. The signal voltage represented by output voltage cb may be stored in an analog format (e.g., on a capacitor) or in a digital format (e.g., by A/D conversion and storage).

Then, transistor rt may be turned on to set the floating diffusion fd to a reset voltage ct. During the time period in which the voltage of the floating diffusion node fd is reset the transfer gates tx0-tx3 are turned off to keep the charge carriers stored in their respective bins. After the floating diffusion node fd is reset the reset voltage may be sampled by turning off transistor rt and turning on transistor rs to produce an output voltage cb. Again, the reset voltage represented by output voltage cb may be stored in an analog format (e.g., on a capacitor) or in a digital format (e.g., by A/D conversion and storage). Then, transfer gate tx1 may be turned on to allow the charge from binl to flow to the floating diffusion. The signal voltage may be sampled by turning on transistor rs to produce an output voltage cb based on the charge stored in binl. Again, the signal voltage represented by output voltage cb may be stored in an analog format (e.g., on a capacitor) or in a digital format (e.g., by A/D conversion and storage).

The same process may then be performed for bin2 and bin3 by performing a reset, sampling the reset voltage, transferring the charge from a bin to the floating diffusion node fd, and sampling the signal. Accordingly, in the readout sequence illustrated in FIG. 9A, eight samples may be taken representing the reset value and signal values for the four bins. The stored reset value for each bin may be subtracted from the stored signal value to obtain a result indicative of the charge stored in each bin, thus completing the correlated double sampling process.

Optionally, as discussed above, the sampled reset voltage level for a bin may be stored on a first capacitor and the sampled signal for the bin may be stored on a second capacitor. Optionally, before sampling the reset level and signal level onto the capacitors the capacitors may be cleared by setting them to the same voltage.

FIG. 9B shows a readout sequence for performing correlated double sampling that does not require measuring a reset value for each signal value, according to some embodiments. In the example of FIG. 9B, a single reset value is measured for all the bins of the pixel. To obtain the signal for the first bin, a reset value may be subtracted from the measured signal value, as discussed above. Instead of resetting the floating diffusion at this point, charge may be transferred to the floating diffusion from the second bin, thereby aggregating the charge for the first and second bins. The signal for the second bin can be obtained by subtracting the signal for the first bin from the aggregated signal for the first and second bins. Since both the signal for the first bin and the aggregated signal for the first and second bins include the same reset noise, the result is that the reset noise is subtracted out. The process may continue for the remaining bins, with the aggregated signal for the previous bin being subtracted from the aggregated signal for the next bin. Aggregating the stored charge for the bins in this manner can allow reading our larger signals than would be the case if each bin were read out individually, and can reduce noise, as the sampled signals will be higher above the noise floor than would be the case if each bin were read out individually. In the example with four time bins, five samples may be taken—one reset value and four samples representing the cumulative charge stored in the charge storage bins. This process will be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 9B.

As shown in FIG. 9B, initially reset transistor rt may be turned on to set the floating diffusion node fd to a reset voltage ct. During the time period in which the voltage of the floating diffusion node is reset the transfer gates tx0-tx3 are turned off to keep the charge carriers stored in their respective bins. After the floating diffusion node fd is reset the reset voltage may be sampled by turning off transistor rt and turning on transistor rs to produce an output voltage cb. The reset voltage represented by output voltage cb may be stored in an analog format (e.g., on a capacitor) or in a digital format (e.g., by A/D conversion and storage). Then, transfer gate tx0 may be turned on to allow the charge from bin0 to flow to the floating diffusion. The signal voltage for bin0 may be sampled by turning on transistor rs to produce an output voltage cb based on the charge stored in bin0.

Then, transfer gate tx 1 may be turned on to allow the charge from bin1 to flow to the floating diffusion. The signal voltage for bin1+bin0 may be sampled by turning on transistor rs to produce an output voltage cb based on the charge stored in binl plus the charge stored on bin0. The output signal value for bin0 may be subtracted from the output signal value for bin0+bin1 to produce a signal indicative of the charge stored on bin1.

A similar process may then be performed for bin2 and bin3 by subtracting the measured signal level for bin n from the measured signal level for bin n+1. Accordingly, using such a technique the number of samples that may need to be taken may be reduced.

The following formulas show how to calculate the “corrected” (using correlated double sampling) signal for each bin using only a single measured reset value.

corrected signal bin0=measured signal bin0−reset level

corrected signal bin1=measured signal for (bin0+bin1)−measured signal bin0

corrected signal bin2=measured signal for (bin0+bin1+bin2)−measured signal for (bin0+bin1)

corrected signal bin3=measured signal for (bin0+bin1+bin2+bin3)−measured signal for (bin 0+bin1+bin2)

In some embodiments, oversampling of the readout from a pixel may be performed. Oversampling involves reading the same signal from the pixel a plurality of times. Each time a signal is read from the pixel, there may be slight variations in the signal that is read due to noise. Oversampling of the readout of a signal and averaging the samples can reduce the noise (e.g., white noise) in measurements. In some embodiments, multiple samples may be taken (e.g., 4-8 samples) to read a single nominal signal value from the pixel (e.g., a single reset level or signal level). In some embodiments, each of the samples of a signal may be read out through the readout signal change and converted into digital values (e.g., digital words). The average of the samples may then be calculated, and the average used as the measured signal from the pixel. For example, if oversampling by 8× is used, eight samples may be taken for each reset and signal value, for a total of 64 samples in the case of measuring 4 time bins and 4 reset levels, or 40 samples in the case of measuring 1 reset level and 4 aggregated signal levels.

Pixel Array Readout Circuitry

Readout in Parallel, Sequential Readout, and Readout with a Combination of Parallel and Sequential Readout

As discussed above, the pixel array may include a plurality of pixels arranged in rows and columns. In some embodiments, readout may be performed row by row. In some embodiments, a row of the pixel array may be selected, and a readout process may be performed for the selected row of pixels. The readout circuitry for a column of pixels may be common to the pixels in the column, such that readout may be performed by the readout circuitry for respective pixels in the column as different rows are selected. Readout for a selected row may be performed in parallel (termed “column parallel”), sequentially, or a combination of parallel and sequentially (termed “semi-column parallel”).

To perform readout of the pixels of a selected row in column parallel, individual readout circuitry may be provided for each column so that the pixels of each column in the selected row can be read out at the same time, as illustrated in FIG. 10A. FIG. 10A illustrates an array of pixels having a plurality of columns C1 to Cn and a plurality of rows, with a selected row Ri being shown by way of illustration. In the embodiment of FIG. 10A, each column of pixels has an associated readout circuit 905. Since each column of pixels has an associated readout circuit 905, the signals from each pixel in row Ri can be read out at the same time.

To perform readout of the pixels of a selected row in sequence, individual readout circuitry need not be provided for each column. For example, in some embodiments a common readout circuit may be provided, and each pixel of the selected row may be read out sequentially. FIG. 10B shows an embodiment in which a common readout circuit 905 may be provided for a plurality of columns. The common readout circuit may be selectively connected to a column by a switch network 906 under the control of suitable control circuitry. For example, in some embodiments, switch network 906 may sequentially connect individual columns of pixels to the readout circuit 905.

To perform readout of the pixels in semi-column parallel, a plurality of readout circuits 905 may be provided, fewer than the number of columns, as illustrated in FIG. 10C. In such a semi-column parallel architecture, each readout circuit 905 may be shared by a subset of the columns. Each readout circuit 905 may sequentially read out a subset of columns in the array. As shown in FIG. 10C, readout circuit 905A may be selectively connected to its respective columns by a switch network 906A. Readout circuit 905B may be selectively connected to its respective columns by a switch network 906B.

In some embodiments, a readout circuit 905 may include one or more amplifier(s) to amplify a signal from a pixel and an analog to digital converter to convert the amplified signal into a digital value. Examples of configurations of readout circuits 905 according to various embodiments are described below.

Sample and Hold Circuit

In some embodiments, the readout circuitry for a column may include one or more sample and hold circuits. FIG. 10D shows a circuit diagram illustrating column readout circuitry 905C, which includes sample and hold circuitry 907, amplifier circuitry 901, and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 902. The sample and hold circuit 907 may sample the output voltage from a pixel (e.g., at node cb) onto a capacitive element (e.g., a capacitor), and then hold the voltage on the capacitor while it is read out by an amplifier. As discussed above, the output voltage from the pixel may represent the number of charge carriers captured during one or more time intervals.

The sample and hold circuit may operate in a plurality of phases, termed a “sample” phase and a “hold” phase. In the “sample” phase, the voltage value from the pixel may be sampled onto a capacitive element. The voltage to be read out is thus stored on the capacitive element. Following the “sample” phase, the voltage of the capacitor is read in the “hold” phase. During the “hold” phase, the voltage of the capacitor may be read out from the capacitive element and processed by one or more amplifiers and then converted into digital form by an analog to digital (A/D) converter. As illustrated in FIG. 10D, during the sample phase (φ1), switch sl is turned on (set in its conductive state) and switch s2 is turned off (set in its non-conductive state), thereby sampling the voltage from readout terminal cb of a pixel onto a capacitive element, e.g., capacitor C1. The hold phase (φ2) follows the sample phase. During the hold phase the switch s1 is turned off and the switch s2 is turned on, thereby connecting the capacitor C1 to the amplifier circuitry 901. By turning off switch S1, the voltage of the capacitor may be held substantially constant while the voltage is read, as the amplifier circuitry 901 may have a high input impedance. The amplified signal from the amplifier circuitry 901 may be provided to an A/D converter 902 to convert the amplified voltage into a digital value.

In some embodiments, power consumption and/or cost can be reduced by reducing or minimizing the number of circuits (e.g., amplifiers, analog to digital converters) used. In some embodiments, to reduce or minimize the number of circuits in the readout chain one or more circuits of the readout chain may be shared by more than one column of the pixel array.

Multiplexing Readout Circuitry Component(s)

In some embodiments, one or more components of the readout circuitry may be shared by two or more columns of the pixel array. For example, as shown in FIG. 10E, all or a portion of amplifier circuitry 901, the A/D converter 902, or both, may be shared by two or more columns of the pixel array. FIG. 10E illustrates an embodiment of readout circuitry 905D in which both the amplifier circuitry 901 and the A/D converter 902 are shared by two columns of the pixel array. In the embodiment of FIG. 10E, respective column lines are connected to respective pixel nodes cb1 and cb2. Each column line is connected to a respective sample and hold circuit 907A, 907B. Amplifier circuitry 901 and A/D converter 902 may be shared by both columns. The input to the amplifier circuitry 901 may be multiplexed between the sample and hold circuits 907A and 907B such that their outputs are connected to the amplifier circuitry 901 at different times (e.g., sequentially). By using shared readout circuit components such as amplifier circuitry 901 and/or A/D converter 902, the number of components in the readout circuitry can be reduced, which can reduce the cost and/or power consumption of the readout circuitry.

In some embodiments, the sample and hold phases for the columns sharing the amplifier circuitry 901 may be alternated, such that when a the column is in the sampling phase and not connected to the amplifier circuitry 901, the other column is in the hold phase and its sample and hold circuit is connected to amplifier circuitry 901 to amplify the voltage it previously sampled. In the embodiment of FIG. 10F, the sample and read phases are alternated between the two columns, with the upper column being in the sample phase during phase 1 and in the hold phase during phase 2, and the lower column being in the sample phase during phase 2 and the hold phase during phase 1. During phase 1 (φ1), the signal from node cb 1 is sampled onto capacitor C1 by turning on switch s1, and switch s2 is turned off, switch s3 is turned off, and capacitor C2 is connected to the amplifier 901 via switch s4, which is turned on. During phase 2 (φ2), the signal from node cb 2 is sampled onto capacitor C2 by turning on switch s3, switch s4 is turned off, switch s1 is turned off, and capacitor C1 is connected to the amplifier 901 via switch s2, which is turned on. Sharing the amplifier circuitry 901 by more than one column may reduce the downtime of amplifier circuitry 901, as it does not need to sit idle during a sampling phase for a column.

In some embodiments, more than two columns of the pixel array may share readout circuitry 901 and/or A/D converter 902. FIG. 10F shows an embodiment in which n columns of the pixel array share readout circuitry 901 and/or A/D converter 902. Capacitors C1-Cn may be sequentially connected to the readout circuitry 901 to read out their voltage values. Capacitors C1-Cn may be connected to the readout circuitry 901 in any suitable order. The sampling phase of the respective sample and hold circuits for each column may be timed to occur during a period in which the sample and hold circuit is not being read out by the amplifier circuitry 901. In some embodiments, and as discussed above, the sampling phases may be timed to occur during a time interval in which the amplifier circuitry 901 is reading out a different row, to limit the amount of time the amplifier circuitry 901 sits idle. For example, as discussed above, the voltage from node cbl may be sampled on capacitor C1 during phase 1. During phase 2, the voltage of capacitor C1 may be read out by amplifier circuitry 901 and the voltage from node cb2 may be sampled on capacitor C2. During phase 3, the voltage of capacitor C2 may be read out by amplifier circuitry 901 and the voltage from a third node cb3 may be sampled on a third capacitor C3, etc. The process may then begin again with phase 1 starting during the time the last column (row n) is read out by amplifier circuitry 901, or after the last column is read out by amplifier circuitry 901. Any suitable number of columns may share amplifier circuitry 901, such as 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, etc., or any other suitable number (which need not be a power of 2).

FIG. 10G shows a diagram of readout circuitry including amplifier circuitry 901. In the embodiment of FIG. 10G, amplifier circuitry 901 includes a plurality of amplifiers 910 and 911. Using a plurality of cascaded amplifiers 910 and 911 can reduce power consumption, as achieving the desired signal gain may be achieved with less power dissipation when a plurality of amplifiers 910 and 911 are used as opposed to using a single amplifier to achieve the same gain.

FIG. 10H shows a diagram of readout circuitry including amplifier circuitry 901 having first stage amplifiers 910A and 910B for respective columns and a second stage amplifier 911 that is shared by the two columns. A multiplexer 912 connects first stage amplifiers 910A and 910B to the second stage amplifier 911 at different times. In some embodiments, the amplifiers 910A, 910B and 911 may be differential amplifiers.

FIG. 10I shows a diagram of readout circuitry including first-stage amplifiers 910A and 910B, a second stage amplifier 911 and a third stage amplifier 912. As discussed above, using an additional amplifier stage to achieve a desired gain value may reduce power consumption with respect to using fewer amplifier stages to achieve the desired gain value. In some embodiments, the amplifiers 910A, 910B, 911 and 912 may be differential amplifiers.

In some embodiments, gain may be applied in the signal chain in a plurality of stages. In some embodiments, the first-stage amplifier (e.g., 910A, 910B) may have a gain of 2 or more, the second stage amplifier (e.g., 911) may have a gain of 1-8, or more, and the third stage amplifier (e.g., 912) may have a gain of 1-2, or more, for an overall gain of the three stages of 2-32, or more.

In some embodiments, the amplifiers may have a digitally programmable gain. The gain of one or more stages may be changed depending on the characteristics of the light being received. For example, if more than one wavelength of light excitation pulse (e.g., laser pulse) is used that produce different responses in the pixel, the gain of one or more amplifiers in the readout chain may be changed depending on which wavelength of light is current1y being detected. If one wavelength results in smaller number of charge carriers being produced, the gain may be increased to accommodate the reduced signal level. If another wavelength results in a larger number of charge carriers being produced, the gain may be decreased. In some embodiments, the gains of the readout chain for different wavelengths may be normalized to one another to produce the same output levels in response to different wavelengths.

Readout Circuitry Design Considerations

Since in some embodiments, the number of charge carriers captured for each time bin may be relatively small, e.g., on the order of hundreds of charge carriers, the signal to be detected from each pixel may be relatively small. Accordingly, in some embodiments the signal chain running from a pixel to (and including) an analog to digital converter may include low-noise readout circuitry. Techniques and circuits for limiting the noise in the readout chain will be discussed below.

In some embodiments, differential processing of signals may reduce or minimize noise in the readout chain. Differential processing of signals can reject common-mode noise that may be injected into the readout chain. The readout circuitry may include one or more differential components, such as a differential sample and hold circuit, differential amplifier(s) and/or a differential A/D converter. In some embodiments, differential signal processing may be used as early as possible in the readout chain (e.g., as close as possible to the pixel output), to avoid injecting common-mode noise into the readout chain. In some embodiments, the entire readout chain from a pixel output to a digital word may be performed by differential circuit components. However, the techniques described herein are not limited in this respect, as in some embodiments one or more single-ended readout circuitry components may be used.

FIG. 10J shows readout circuitry shared by two columns including a differential sample and hold circuit 908 and a differential amplifier 909. The differential sample and hold circuit 908 includes capacitors Cin1 for a first column of the pixel array and capacitors Cin2 for a second column of the pixel array. The differential amplifier 909 includes capacitors Cf1 for a first column of the pixel array and capacitors Cf2 for a second column of the pixel array.

FIG. 10K shows a diagram of the differential sample and hold circuit 908 and a differential amplifier 909 when the first column is in the sample phase and the second column is in the hold phase, with capacitors Cin2 being connected to the input of the differential amplifier 909. FIG. 10L shows a diagram of the differential sample and hold circuit 908 and a differential amplifier 909 when the second column is in the sample phase and the first column is in the hold phase, with capacitors Cin1 being connected to the input of the differential amplifier 909.

FIG. 10M shows readout circuitry shared by more than two columns including a differential sample and hold circuit 908 and a differential amplifier 909. FIG. 10M is similar to FIG. 10F in that a differential amplifier 901 is shared by more than two columns, with the use of a differential sample and hold circuit 908 and a differential amplifier 909.

Dark Current Sampling

As understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, “dark current” is current that is produced in a photodetector when no light is being detected by the photodetector. Designing a photodetector to correct for the effect of dark current can improve the quality of photodetection.

In some embodiments of the integrated device described herein, one or more of the charge storage bins may be used to sample the dark current. For example, a charge storage bin may sample dark current by aggregating carriers that arrive during a time period in which no light or a very low level of light is received by the photodetector. In some embodiments, such as those relating to fluorescence lifetime measurements, the last bin (e.g., bin3) may be used to sample the dark current if the timing is such that it occurs once the probability of light emission drops to a negligible value. Sampling the dark current may allow subtracting the dark current from samples in other bins, thereby correcting for the effect of dark current.

Number and Timing of Time Bins

Any suitable number of time bins may be used. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, an example of a pixel with four time bins has been illustrated. FIG. 8C shows a plot in which eight bins are used. However, a pixel having any suitable number of time bins may be produced based on the desired temporal resolution and other factors. Increasing the number of bins may increase the area taken up by each pixel, and may be achieved by reducing the overall number of pixels or by using a fabrication process having a smaller feature size. Using a small number of bins may allow increasing the number of pixels that can fit on a chip. In some embodiments, a single bin may be used to determine the number of photons arriving within a particular time period. The number of bins may be increased or decreased at least in part by increasing or decreasing the number extensions of the charge carrier confinement region fabricated on the chip extending from the carrier travel/capture region 106. The number of electrodes b0-bm-1, transfer electrodes, etc., may be increased or decreased accordingly based on the number of bins desired to be included in a pixel.

The timing of the time bins may be chosen in any suitable way. In some embodiments, the timing may be selected by setting start and end times for the time bin(s), as illustrated in FIG. 6K. For example, the timing for bin0 may be set by selecting the times at which t1 and t2 occur, and the timing of the remaining bins may be set similarly.

In some embodiments, the timing for the time bins may be a fixed such that the timing is the same in each measurement period. The timing may be set based upon a global timing signal. For example, a timing signal may establish the start of a measurement period, and time bins may be controlled to start and end based upon a predetermined amount of time having elapsed from the timing signal. In the fluorescence lifetime measurement context, the timing for the time bins may be set with respect to the timing of an excitation pulse based upon the possible range of fluorescence lifetimes that are expected to be detected. In the time-of-flight imaging context, the timing of the time bins may be set based on an expected distance range for the scene to be imaged. However, in some embodiments the timing of the time bins may be variable or programmable.

In some embodiments, the timing for the time bins may be set based upon the timing of a trigger event 702 that initiates a measurement period for a measurement 720. In the fluorescence lifetime measurement context, the timing for the time bins may be set in response to detecting the timing of an excitation pulse that excites a fluorophore. For example, when a light excitation pulse reaches the pixel 100, a surge of carriers may travel from the photon absorption/carrier generation region 102 to the drain 104. The accumulation of photogenerated carriers at the drain 104 in response to the excitation pulse may cause a change in voltage of the drain 104. Accordingly, in some embodiments the excitation pulse may be detected by detecting the voltage of the drain 104. For example, a comparator may compare the voltage of the drain 104 to a threshold, and may produce a pulse when the voltage of the drain 104 exceeds the threshold. The timing of the pulse may be indicate the timing of the trigger event 702, and the timing of the time bins (e.g., t1, t2, etc.) may be set based upon this timing. However, the techniques described herein are not limited in this respect, as any suitable technique may be used to detect the start of a measurement 720.

In some embodiments, the integrated device may be programmable to enable changing the timing of the time bins. In some embodiments, the timing of the time bins may be programmed for a particular set of measurements to be performed. For example, if the integrated device is used for a first type of test to measure lifetimes within a first range, the time bins may be programmed to suitable values for discriminating lifetimes within that range. However, if the integrated device is used for another type of test to measure lifetimes in a different range, the time bins may be changed by programming them to correspond to different time intervals suitable for the second type of test.

In some embodiments, the timing of the time bins may be controlled adaptively between measurements based on the results of a set of measurements. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a first set of measurements (Measurement Set A) may be performed using a first set of time bins that span a relatively large time interval. The quantity of photons that arrived for each bin may be analyzed to determine whether a change should be made to the timing selected for the time bins to improve or optimize the temporal information obtained. In some embodiments, the quantity of photons that arrive for each bin may be analyzed to determine a narrower time interval of interest. For example, after performing a set of measurements with time bins as shown in Measurement Set A of FIG. 11, it may be determined that a significant number of photons arrived in the time period corresponding to bin2 and no photons arrived in the time periods corresponding to other bins. A second set of time bins may then be selected for a second set of measurements (Measurement Set B) that focuses on the narrower time period corresponding to bin2 of Measurement Set A. As illustrated in FIG. 11, Measurement Set B has four time bins within the time period corresponding to bin2 of Measurement Set A. By performing measurements with time bins according to Measurement Set B, further detail about the timing of arrival of photons may be obtained. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, higher temporal resolution about the timing of arrival of incident photons may be obtained within a selected time interval. Such an adaptive time bin determination process may allow obtaining a level of time resolution using a relatively small number of bins (e.g., 4 bins) that otherwise may necessitate a large number of bins (e.g., 16 bins).

In some embodiments, the timing for the time bins may be the same in all pixels of the array. In some embodiments, the timing may be different in different pixels such that different pixels capture carriers in different time bins. For example, a first set of pixels may capture carriers in a first set of time bins, and a second set of pixels may capture carriers in a second set of time bins that are at least partially different from the first set of time bins. For example, one row of pixels may have the time timing for their time bins and another row of pixels may have a different timing for their time bins. In some embodiments, a first set of rows of pixels (e.g., four rows) may have the same timing for their time bins, and another set of rows of pixels (e.g., another four rows) may have a different timing for their time bins. Pixels may be set and/or programmed individually and/or as a group.

Pixels with Sub-Pixels

Wavelength Discrimination

In some embodiments, a pixel of a pixel array may include a plurality of sub-pixels that are each capable of performing different types of measurements. Any number of sub-pixels may be included in a pixel.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a pixel 1100 that includes four sub-pixels 100A. In some embodiments, each sub-pixel 100A in pixel 1100 may be configured to receive light of a different wavelength. For example, filters may be formed above sub-pixels 100A that allow photons of different wavelengths to be transmitted to sub-pixels 100A. For example, a first wavelength may be transmitted to a first sub-pixel 100A, a second wavelength may be transmitted to a second sub-pixel 100A, a third wavelength may be transmitted to a third sub-pixel 100A, and a fourth wavelength may be transmitted to a fourth sub-pixel 100A. A pixel 1100 having sub-pixels configured to receive light of different wavelengths may allow both temporal and spectral discrimination of incident light. In the fluorescence lifetime measurement context, providing the capability of both temporal and spectral discrimination may allow discriminating different types of fluorescent molecules and/or markers having different lifetimes, different spectral characteristics, or both different lifetimes and different spectral characteristics.

Temporal Discrimination

In some embodiments, different sub-pixels 100A may be controlled to sample time bins for different time intervals. For example, a first sub-pixel 100A may be configured to sample a first set of time bins and a second sub-pixel may be configured to sample a second set of time bins. Similar structures in different sub-pixels 100A may sample time bins for different time intervals by controlling the timing of the charge carrier segregation structure to be different in different sub-pixels.

Pixel Array/Chip Architecture

FIG. 13 shows a diagram of the chip architecture, according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 13, an integrated circuit or chip 1300 may include a pixel array 1302 including a plurality of pixels 100, a control circuit 1304 that includes a timing circuit 1306, voltage/current bias generation circuits 1305 and an interface 1308.

Pixel array 1302 includes an array of pixels 101 laid out in any suitable pattern, such as a rectangular pattern, for example. The pixel array 1302 may have any suitable number of pixels. In some embodiments, the pixel array may have a 64×64 array of 4096 pixels 101, each including four sub-pixels 101A. However, the techniques described herein are not limited as to the number or arrangement of pixels and sub-pixels included in the pixel array 1302. The pixel array may have row and/or column conductors for reading out rows or columns of the pixel array 1302. Pixels may be read out in parallel, in series, or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments a row of pixels may be read out in parallel, and each row of the pixel array may be read out sequentially. However, the techniques described herein are not limited in this respect, as the pixels may be read out in any suitable manner.

The pixel array 1302 is controlled by a control circuit 1304. Control circuit 1304 may be any suitable type of control circuit for controlling operations on the chip 1300, including operations of the pixel array 1302. In some embodiments, control circuit 1304 may include a microprocessor programmed to control operations of the pixel array 1302 and any other operations on the chip 1300. The control circuit may include a computer readable medium (e.g., memory) storing computer readable instructions (e.g., code) for causing the microprocessor performing such operations. For example, the control circuit 1304 may control producing voltages to be applied to electrodes of the charge carrier segregation structure(s) in each pixel. The control circuit 1304 may change the voltages of one or more electrodes, as discussed above, to capture carriers, transfer carriers, and to perform readout of pixels and the array. The control circuit may set the timing of operations of the charge carrier segregation structure based on a stored timing scheme. The stored timing scheme may be fixed, programmable and/or adaptive, as discussed above.

The control circuit 1304 may include a timing circuit 1306 for timing operations of the charge carrier segregation structure(s) of the pixels or other operations of the chip. In some embodiments, timing circuit 1306 may enable producing signals to precisely control the timing of voltage changes in the charge carrier segregation structure(s) to accurately time bin charge carriers. In some embodiments the timing circuit 1306 may include an external reference clock and/or a delay-locked loop (DLL) for precisely setting the timing of the signals provided to the charge carrier segregation structure(s). In some embodiments, two single-ended delay lines may be used, each with half the number of stages aligned 180-degrees out of phase. However, any suitable technique may be used for controlling the timing of signals on the chip.

The chip 1300 may include an interface 1308 for sending signals from the chip 1300, receiving signals at the chip 1300, or both. The interface 1308 may enable reading out the signals sensed by the pixel array 1302. Readout from the chip 1300 may be performed using an analog interface and/or a digital interface. If readout from the chip 1300 is performed using a digital interface, the chip 1300 may have one or more analog to digital converters for converting signals read out from the pixel array 1302 into digital signals. In some embodiments, the readout circuit may include a Programmable Gain Amplifier. One or more control signals may be provided to the chip 1300 from an external source via interface 1308. For example, such control signals may control the type of measurements to be performed, which may include setting the timing of the time bins.

Analysis of signals read out from the pixel array 1302 may be performed by circuitry on-chip or off-chip. For example, in the context of fluorescence lifetime measurement, analysis of the timing of photon arrival may include approximating one or more fluorescence lifetimes from a distribution of photons across the time bins. Any suitable type of analysis may be performed. If analysis of signals read out from the pixel array 1302 is performed on-chip, chip 1300 may have any suitable processing circuitry for performing the analysis. For example, chip 1300 may have a microprocessor for performing analysis that is part of or separate from control circuit 1304. If analysis is performed on-chip, in some embodiments the result of the analysis may be sent to an external device or otherwise provided off-chip through interface 1308. In some embodiments all or a portion of the analysis may be performed off-chip. If analysis is performed off-chip, the signals read out from the pixel array 1302 and/or the result of any analysis performed by the chip 1300, may be provided to an external device through interface 1308.

In some embodiments, the chip 1300 may include one or more of the following:

1) on-chip, digitally controlled, pixel bias generators (DACs).

2) on-chip, digitally programmable gain amplifiers that convert the single-ended pixel output voltage signal to a differential signal and applies gain to the signal

3) digitally-controlled amplifier bias generators that allow scaling the power dissipation with the output rate.

FIG. 14A shows a diagram of an embodiment of a chip 1300A, which is an example of chip 1300 having a 64×64 array of quad pixels, according to some embodiments. In the embodiment of FIG. 14A, half of the pixel output signals are provided via the top side of the chip and the other half of the pixel output signals are provided via the bottom side of the chip. Bias circuits are included for setting the voltage of the electrodes of the charge carrier segregation structures.

FIG. 14B shows a diagram of an embodiment of a chip 1300B, which is an example of chip 1300 includes 2×2 arrays, with each array having 256×64 octal pixels array of quad pixels, according to some embodiments. Bandgap and bias circuits are included. Digital to analog converts (DACs), including Vhigh DACs and Vlow DACs are included for setting the high and low voltages of the electrodes of the pixel array. FIG. 14B also shows light monitoring sensors 1320. Each light monitoring sensor may include a photodetector, such as a photodiode. In some embodiments, each light monitoring sensor may include a quad array of photodetectors (e.g., photodiodes) for aligning the chip 1300B with a light source. In an embodiment in which the chip 1300B is configured for detection of molecules, the light monitoring sensors may enable alignment of the chip 1300B with a waveguide that receives light from one or more locations in which the molecules are positioned. Diode readout circuits and a diode select register is also shown in FIG. 14B.

Examples of array sizes, dimensions, numbers of bins, and feature sizes are described above and shown in the figures merely by way of illustration, as any suitable of array sizes, dimensions, numbers of bins, and feature sizes may be used.

Example Integrated Circuit Realization and Method of Forming the Integrated Photodetector

In some embodiments, the chip 1300 may be formed in a silicon substrate using a standard CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) process. However, the techniques described herein are not limited in this respect, as any suitable substrate or fabrication process may be used.

FIGS. 15-22 illustrate a process of forming a chip 1300, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15A shows a perspective view of charge confinement regions 103 that may be formed in a semiconductor substrate. FIG. 15B shows a plan view corresponding to FIG. 15A. In some embodiments, charge confinement regions 103 may be formed in a bulk semiconductor substrate 1500. However, the techniques described herein are not limited to use of a bulk semiconductor substrate, as any suitable type of semiconductor substrate may be used. In some embodiments, the substrate 1500 and charge confinement regions 103 may be formed of monocrystalline silicon. However, the techniques described herein are not limited in this respect, as any suitable type of semiconductor material may be used. In some embodiments, using a silicon substrate may enable using a cost-effective industry standard CMOS process. However, any suitable fabrication process may be used. In some embodiments, a bulk silicon substrate having a p-type doping type may be used. However, any suitable doping type may be used, including n-type doping or p-type doping.

As shown in FIG. 15A, the charge confinement regions 103 may be a raised portion of substrate 1500. Charge confinement regions 103 may be formed by etching away regions of the substrate 1500 in the pattern shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, thereby leaving raised charge confinement regions 103 extending above the substrate. An insulating layer may then be formed over and to the side of the charge confinement regions 103. For example, in some embodiments an insulating layer of silicon oxide may be formed on charge confinement regions 103 by thermal growth. However, any suitable technique may be used to form the insulating layer, and the insulating layer may include any suitable insulating material.

As shown in FIG. 16, electrodes as illustrated in FIG. 3B may be formed over the insulating layer by forming a patterned polysilicon layer 1601. The electrodes may be spaced apart from one another to allow different electrodes to be at different voltages. The electrodes may be formed of any suitable conductive material. In some embodiments, the electrodes may be formed of doped polysilicon. However, the techniques described herein are not limited to forming the electrodes of polysilicon, as any suitable conductive material may be used to form the electrodes (e.g., a metal). Conductive vias 1701 may be formed over the patterned polysilicon layer 1601 to contact the polysilicon layer 1601 through an insulating layer (not shown) overlying the patterned polysilicon layer 1601. The conductive vias 1701 may be formed of any suitable conductor.

In some embodiments, one or more electrodes (e.g., of polysilicon layer 1601) may be split-doped electrodes having both p- and n-type dopants. A split-doped electrode may enable forming a potential well to capture a carrier, as illustrated in FIG. 17. FIG. 17 shows a split-doped electrode 2302 having a p+region and an n+region. The n+region and the p+region produce different potential levels in the underlying semiconductor. As shown in FIG. 17, the n+region of split-doped electrode 2302 may produce a potential well under the n+region that can confine charge carriers (e.g., electrons). FIG. 17 illustrates that keeping the voltage of the split-doped electrode 2302 high may produce a potential gradient as shown in dashed lines, which may confine charge carriers (e.g., electrons) in a potential well 2304. Lowering the voltage of split-doped electrode 2302 may raise the electric potential under the split-doped electrode 2302 to enable transferring charge trapped in the potential well 2304 to a charge storage bin, for example.

Dopants may be formed in the semiconductor material to enable forming transistors of the readout circuitry 110. In some embodiments, a mask may be disposed over the charge confinement region 103 to prevent the doping of charge confinement region 103 during the formation of the transistors of readout circuitry 110, as doping charge confinement region 103 may form undesired potential wells in the charge confinement regions 103.

FIG. 18 shows the formation of a metal layer 1801 (e.g., metal 1) over the patterned polysilicon layer 1601 to connect to the vias 1701. FIG. 19 shows the metal layer 1801 overlaid on the polysilicon layer 1601 and charge confinement regions 103.

FIG. 20 shows the formation of vias 1901 to contact the metal layer 1801. Conductive vias 1901 may be formed over the metal layer 1801 to contact the metal layer 1801 through an insulating layer (not shown) overlying the metal layer 1801. FIG. 20 also shows the formation of a second metal layer 2001 (e.g., metal 2) over the metal layer 1801 and vias 1901.

FIG. 21 shows the second metal layer 2001 as well as formation of via(s) 2101 over the metal layer 2001 to contact the metal layer 2001 through an insulating layer (not shown) overlying the metal layer 2001.

FIG. 22 shows the formation of a third metal layer 2201 (e.g., metal 3) over the metal layer 2001 and the via(s) 2101 to contact the vias 2101.

The foregoing process is described by way of illustration, as the techniques described here are not limited to any particular fabrication process. Further, the techniques described herein are not limited as to the particular layout shown.

Drive Circuitry for the Charge Carrier Segregation Structure

The electrodes of the charge carrier segregation structure that overlie the substrate may have a substantial parasitic capacitance. Changing the voltages on the electrodes necessitates charging or discharging the parasitic capacitance. The speed with which current can be provided to charge or discharge the parasitic capacitance limits the speed at which the voltage of an electrode can be changed. As discussed above, in some embodiments charge carriers may be captured and transferred into time bins with nanosecond or picosecond resolution. The inventors have recognized and appreciated that the timing with which charge carriers may be captured may have a higher precision if the voltage of electrodes b0-bm-1 change more quickly, thereby raising the potential barriers at precise moments in time. However, rate of change of the voltage on electrodes b0-bm-1 is limited due to the parasitic inductance and equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the connection between the voltage supply and the electrodes b0-bm-1.

Further, charging and discharging the parasitic capacitances of the electrodes may consume significant power. The power dissipated by charging and discharging an electrode is Pd_(diss)=(1/2)·f·C·V², where C is the capacitance between the electrode and the substrate, V is the voltage difference between the electrode and the substrate, and f is the frequency with which the voltage is switched.

FIG. 23 shows an example of a drive circuit 2300 for driving an electrode 2301 of the charge carrier segregation structure, according to some embodiments. Electrode 2301 is illustrated as a capacitor in FIG. 23. As discussed above, the electrode 2301 may be driven to a relatively low voltage V_(low) and a relatively high voltage V_(high) at selected times. The drive circuit 2300 includes a VdacH generator 2302 that produces the high voltage V_(high) and a VdacL generator 2304 that produces the low voltage V_(low). In some embodiments, the difference between V_(low) and V_(high) may be made as small as possible for the electrode to influence charge carriers in the manner designed, thereby reducing or minimizing power dissipation. In some embodiments, VdacH generator 2302 and/or VdacL generator 2304 may be programmable voltage generators that can produce desired voltages V_(low) and/or V_(high), and can allow changing V_(low) and/or V_(high).

The drive circuit 2300 also includes Bclk generator 2306, which can produce a timing signal for timing voltage transitions of the electrode 2301. The Bclk generator 2306 may be programmable, and may allow digitally selecting the times at which the edges of the timing signal occur, based on an input digital word. In some embodiments, the Bclk generator 2306 may be implemented using a delay locked loop (DLL), as discussed above. The timing signal from the Bclk generator 2306 is provided to the input of the Bclk driver 2312 which drives the electrode 2301.

The drive circuit 2300 also includes a VdacH amplifier 2308 and a VdacL amplifier 2310. The VdacH amplifier 2308 receives a signal from the VdacH generator and controls transistor 2314 using feedback to provide the voltage VdacH to the high power supply terminal of the Bclk driver 2312. The VdacH amplifier 2308 also charges capacitor 1312A to the voltage VdacH. The VdacL amplifier 2310 receives a signal from the VdacL generator and controls transistor 2316 using feedback to provide the voltage VdacL to the low power supply terminal of the Bclk driver 2312. The VdacL amplifier 2310 also charges capacitor 1312B to the voltage VdacL.

As discussed above, the electrode 2301 may have substantial capacitance. To supply enough current to charge the electrode 2301 with high speed, decoupling capacitors 1312A and 1312B may be provided to supply current to the to the low power supply terminal of the Bclk driver 2312 or the high power supply terminal of the Bclk driver 2312 during transitions.

The decoupling capacitor(s) may be positioned in close proximity to the electrode to limit the parasitic inductance and equivalent series resistance (ESR) between the electrode and the decoupling capacitor. When the voltage of an electrode is changed to a new voltage, the electrode is connected to the decoupling capacitor at the new voltage to supply current to the electrode through a current path having low parasitic inductance and/or equivalent series resistance (ESR), so that the voltage of the electrode can be changed quickly. In some embodiments, the decoupling capacitor may be positioned close enough to the electrode such that the parasitic inductance between the decoupling capacitor and the electrode is less than 3 nH, less than 2 nH, or less than 1 nH. In some embodiments, the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the current path between the decoupling capacitor and the electrode is less than 70 ohms, less than 35 ohms, or less than 5 ohms. However, these values are provided merely by way of example, as the techniques described herein are not limited to specific values of inductance or resistance.

In some embodiments, electrodes b0-bm-1 may be connectable to one or more decoupling capacitors. In some embodiments, each electrode b0-bm-1 may have its own decoupling capacitors(s). For example, in some embodiments an electrode may have a single decoupling capacitor coupled between the high and low voltage supplies of the electrode, or two decoupling capacitors respectively coupled to the high voltage supply and the low voltage supply. However, the techniques described herein are not limited in this respect. Any or all of the electrodes of the charge carrier segregation structure may be connected to decoupling capacitors.

The decoupling capacitors may have any suitable capacitance value. In some embodiments, the capacitance value of a decoupling capacitor is ten to one hundred times the capacitance of the electrode to which it is to be connected. In some embodiments, the capacitance of a decoupling capacitor may be at least 150 pF, at least 300 pF, or at least 3 nF or higher. However, these values are provided merely by way of example, as the techniques described herein are not limited to specific values of capacitance.

A decoupling capacitor may be on-chip or off-chip. FIG. 24 shows an embodiment in which chip 1300 is affixed to a printed circuit board 1310, which may be termed a “chip-on-board” or “die-on-board” implementation. Wire bonds may connect the chip 1300 to one or more decoupling capacitors 1312 on the printed circuit board 1310, thereby providing current path having low parasitic inductance and/or equivalent series resistance (ESR) between an electrode of the chip 1300 and a decoupling capacitor 1312. In some embodiments, off-chip decoupling capacitors may be positioned within 1 cm, or within 5 mm of the chip 1300 or less. However the techniques described herein are not limited in this respect. As mentioned above, decoupling capacitor(s) may be formed on the chip 1300.

As discussed above, charging and discharging the electrodes of the charge carrier segregation structure may dissipate significant power. In some embodiments, the one or more rows of pixels of the chip 1300 and their corresponding electrodes may be disabled, which may limit the power consumption of the chip 1300. The chip 1300 may be programmable in this respect, and may allow selecting which rows will be enabled or disabled. The rows that are enabled and disabled may be changed over time.

FIG. 25 illustrates enabling 32 rows in a central region of the chip and disabling 48 rows at the edges of the chip. Disabling one or more rows of the chip may allow reducing power consumption in situations or applications where not all the rows of the chip are needed.

Additional Aspects

In some embodiments, techniques described herein may be carried out using one or more computing devices. Embodiments are not limited to operating with any particular type of computing device.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram of an illustrative computing device 1000 that may be used to implement a control circuit for controlling the pixel array or for performing analysis of the data from the pixels. Computing device 1000 may include one or more processors 1001 and one or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory 1003). Memory 1003 may store, in a tangible non-transitory computer-recordable medium, computer program instructions that, when executed, implement any of the above-described functionality. Processor(s) 1001 may be coupled to memory 1003 and may execute such computer program instructions to cause the functionality to be realized and performed.

Computing device 1000 may also include a network input/output (I/O) interface 1005 via which the computing device may communicate with other computing devices (e.g., over a network), and may also include one or more user I/O interfaces 1007, via which the computing device may provide output to and receive input from a user. The user I/O interfaces may include devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a display device (e.g., a monitor or touch screen), speakers, a camera, and/or various other types of I/O devices.

The above-described embodiments can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, the embodiments may be implemented using hardware, software or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor (e.g., a microprocessor) or collection of processors, whether provided in a single computing device or distributed among multiple computing devices. It should be appreciated that any component or collection of components that perform the functions described above can be generically considered as one or more controllers that control the above-discussed functions. The one or more controllers can be implemented in numerous ways, such as with dedicated hardware, or with general purpose hardware (e.g., one or more processors) that is programmed using microcode or software to perform the functions recited above.

In this respect, it should be appreciated that one implementation of the embodiments described herein comprises at least one computer-readable storage medium (e.g., RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or other tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) encoded with a computer program (i.e., a plurality of executable instructions) that, when executed on one or more processors, performs the above-discussed functions of one or more embodiments. The computer-readable medium may be transportable such that the program stored thereon can be loaded onto any computing device to implement aspects of the techniques discussed herein. In addition, it should be appreciated that the reference to a computer program which, when executed, performs any of the above-discussed functions, is not limited to an application program running on a host computer. Rather, the terms computer program and software are used herein in a generic sense to reference any type of computer code (e.g., application software, firmware, microcode, or any other form of computer instruction) that can be employed to program one or more processors to implement aspects of the techniques discussed herein.

Various aspects of the present invention may be used alone, in combination, or in a variety of arrangements not specifically discussed in the embodiments described in the foregoing and is therefore not limited in its application to the details and arrangement of components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. For example, aspects described in one embodiment may be combined in any manner with aspects described in other embodiments.

Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements.

Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of luminance lifetime imaging, comprising: receiving incident photons at an integrated photodetector from luminescent molecules, the incident photons being received through one or more optical components of a point-of-care device; and detecting arrival times of the incident photons by: using the integrated photodetector to selectively direct, into at least one charge carrier storage region, based on the arrival times of the incident photons, charge carriers generated in response to receiving the incident photons; and controlling the integrated photodetector to aggregate, in the at least one charge carrier storage region, charge carriers generated in response to incident photons received from the luminescent molecules in response to a plurality of excitations of the luminescent molecules.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising discriminating luminance lifetime characteristics of the luminescent molecules based on the arrival times.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising producing an image using the luminance lifetime characteristics.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the image indicates a presence of diseased tissue based upon the luminance lifetime characteristics.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the image indicates a presence of melanoma, a tumor, a bacterial infection, or a viral infection.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the incident photons are received from tissue.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the tissue comprises skin.
 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising illuminating the tissue to excite the luminescent molecules.
 9. A method, comprising: detecting luminance lifetime characteristics of tissue using, at least in part, an integrated circuit that detects arrival times of incident photons from the tissue by selectively segregating, based on the arrival times of incident photons, charge carriers into at least one charge carrier storage region, and analyzing blood glucose based upon the luminance lifetime characteristics, wherein detecting the luminance lifetime characteristics further comprises: controlling the integrated circuit to aggregate, in the at least one charge carrier storage region, charge carriers generated in response to incident photons received from luminescent molecules of the tissue in response to a plurality of excitations of the luminescent molecules, respectively.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the analyzing comprises determining a blood glucose concentration.
 11. A point-of-care device, comprising: one or more optical components; an integrated photodetector configured to receive, through the one or more optical components, incident photons from luminescent molecules and selectively aggregate, in at least one charge carrier storage region, based on arrival times of the incident photons, charge carriers generated in response to receiving the incident photons; and a processor configured to detect the arrival times of the received incident photons at the integrated photodetector to perform luminance lifetime imaging.
 12. The point-of-care device of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to discriminate luminance lifetime characteristics of the luminescent molecules based on the arrival times.
 13. The point-of-care device of claim 12, wherein the processor is configured to produce an image using the luminance lifetime characteristics.
 14. The point-of-care device of claim 13, wherein the image indicates a presence of diseased tissue based upon the luminance lifetime characteristics.
 15. The point-of-care device of claim 14, wherein the image indicates a presence of melanoma, a tumor, a bacterial infection, or a viral infection.
 16. The point-of-care device of claim 11, wherein the incident photons are received from tissue.
 17. The point-of-care device of claim 16, wherein the tissue comprises skin.
 18. The point-of-care device of claim 16, further comprising an excitation light source configured to illuminate the tissue to excite the luminescent molecules.
 19. A point-of-care device, comprising: one or more optical components; an integrated photodetector configured to receive, through the one or more optical components, incident photons from luminescent molecules and selectively aggregate, in at least one charge carrier storage region, based on arrival times of the incident photons, charge carriers generated in response to receiving the incident photons; and a processor configured to detect luminance lifetime characteristics of tissue by, at least in part, detecting the arrival times of incident photons from the tissue.
 20. The point-of-care device of claim 19, wherein the processor is further configured to analyze blood glucose based upon the luminance lifetime characteristics.
 21. The point-of-care device of claim 20, wherein the processor is further configured to determine a blood glucose concentration.
 22. The point-of-care device of claim 11, wherein the at least one charge carrier storage region comprises a plurality of charge carrier storage regions configured to store charge carriers produced during different time intervals following excitation of the luminescent molecules.
 23. The point-of-care device of claim 11, wherein the integrated photodetector is further configured to discard charge carriers produced during a light excitation pulse for exciting the luminescent molecules.
 24. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing readout of the at least one charge carrier storage region to obtain signals indicative of the aggregated charge carriers. 